Back gardens are a preferred part of the home for many good reasons. They make your property look more attractive and are instrumental in fun summer activities. However, your garden can be dangerous to your kids and other adults if you don’t eliminate hazards. Many children experience accidents here, most of which are preventable. Making your garden safer for everyone is a good initiative to avoid the risk of injury or accidents. Here are some ideas to put into place to create a safe haven in your garden.
1. Remove poisonous plants
Don’t hesitate to remove suspected poisonous plants to improve your garden’s safety. Plants like deadly nightshade and hemlock are considered dangerous to kids. When children ingest these poisonous plants, they may experience symptoms ranging from vomiting to diarrhoea and fever. Even less harmful plants can also pose health risks to children when consumed. For example, your vegetable garden’s chillies can cause severe pain if eaten. Consider fencing off poisonous plants and flowers or removing them to make your back garden much safer.
2. Build a fence around a pond or pool
If you have a garden pond or pool, make it more child-friendly by putting a fence around it. Building a fence or barrier is the most effective technique to prevent drowning. After car crashes, drowning is the second most common cause of premature deaths in kids aged one to fourteen. Fencing your pond or pool, therefore, is crucial, especially if you have little ones roaming in your garden. You build a safer space for your family when you enclose your pool. A good pool fence should measure at least 4 ft in height with four sides. It should also have a climb-proof mechanism, meaning you should ensure kids will have no way to enter it. Consider investing in a self-closing gate or latch to make it safer.
3. Teach your children animal safety
Owning pets can make your home experience amazing. Kids usually learn to bond with their pets but sometimes exceed their limits during animal interactions.
You have to teach your kids about animal safety so that they know how to handle your cats, dogs, and other pets. You can teach them, for example, how to pat your cat or dog and why they shouldn’t disturb animals while sleeping or eating. Educating your children about pet safety prepares them to take appropriate measures when encountering stray cats or snakes that may lurk in your back garden. It will also help them to know how to handle your pets when they play with them outdoors.
4. Replace worn-out structures, including furniture
You should check your outdoor structures, including furniture, for wear and tear. If your teak garden furniture is old, consider buying new ones to replace them and improve safety. Back garden structures such as swings and climbing walls encourage your kids to stay active. However, poorly maintained structures can wear out and expose your children to danger. Routine inspection will help you spot signs of rotting wood, damaged boards, and loose nails. Fix broken equipment in your garden and ensure your kids’ play station is hazard-free.
