Regrdelss of wether you’re having a vacation, a cookout, or simply playing in the backyard; there are inherent risks associated with being outside around home.  Keep these tips from the Home Safety Council handy so that your next event does not turn into a trip to an emergency room.

Outdoor – Backyard Safety Tips:

A recent Home Safety Council survey states that one in three U.S. adults worry about spils and falls during the summer.  As a resul, the council recommends taking the following precautions:

Grilling Safety:

• Designate the grilling/cooking area as a no kid/ no play area.  Make sure to place all toys and playground equipment away from outdoor cooking areas.
• Consult with your local code enforcement regarding the placement of grilling equipment, but before grilling, place your grill at least 3-5 feet away from other objects.
• When using lighter fluid, only use lighter fluid that is specifically designated for your type of grill.
• Check all gas lines on your propane grill prior to use.
• Never use a leaky grill, get it fix if a leak is detected.
• Never use a barbecue grill inside; this should be common sense.
• Use barbeque mitts and long-handled tools to prevent a contact burn.

Pool Safety:

• All ways have adult supervision around pools, and spas.
• When hosting a pool part, have someone designated as a “water watcher”.  Rotate “water watchers” in 30 to 45 minute shifts.
• Learn and practice basic lifesaving techniques, including First Aid and CPR. Insist that anyone who cares for your children learn CPR.
• Keep poolside rescue equipment  close to the pool area.
• Install four-sided fencing with self-locking and self-closing gates around pools. Fencing should completely isolate the pool from the home and be least five feet high.

Playground Safety:

• Always supervise children closely.
• Cover areas under and around play equipment with soft materials such as hardwood chips, mulch, pea gravel and sand (materials should be nine to 12 inches deep and extend six feet from all sides of play equipment).
• Spread play equipment out.  That gives children room to play and fall.
• Beware of entrapment or entanglement hazards. A child’s head can be trapped in openings between 3.5 and nine inches wide. Remove strings and draw-cords from young children’s jackets to prevent strangulation.

Out-of-Town – Home Security Tips:

The FBI states that more burglaries happen in July and August than in any other months.  Before taking your final vacation of the summer, make sure you double check the following and make your home as burglar proof  as possible.

• Put bright lights over porches and walkways in the front and back.
• Make sure all exterior doors and windows have working locks.
• Make sure to do a finaly walkthrough before leaving; checking all doors and windows.
• If you have an automatic garage door, always, look over your shoulder before leaving the driveway to ensure the garage door has completely closed behind you.
• Keep your yard mowed.  That way, no one can tell if you’re away.
• Keep shades or curtains closed over garage and shed windows.
• Keep shades or curtains closed over your home windows after dark.
• Clean up your yard.
• Consider putting interior lights and yard sprinklers on a timer; giving the appearance that you’re home.
• Do yard work before you leave.
• Have a family member or friend bring in your mail and newspaper while you are gone. Give them a key to keep at their home; do not leave a key in a hiding place.
• If you use an answering machine, do not record a message that indicates you are out of town.
• Be careful about broadcasting your upcoming vacation on facebook; especially if no one will be home.