Outdoor play has an essential role in childhood development as it teaches children gross motor skills and much more. Unfortunately, gardens aren’t the safest place to hang around as 125,000 children a year are hurt or killed in gardening accidents. There are many ways that you can mitigate these as Lawsons, a retailer of garden gates in Surrey, shares.
Water Safety
Water presents the danger of drowning and very little is needed for it to happen as children can drown in water that’s only 3cm deep. Most drowning takes place at home or in the garden which is why it’s important to eliminate all hazards by fencing off water features and emptying out pools when not in use. Buckets can also collect water and should be emptied before letting children out to play. Even if an elder sibling is with them in the garden, it’s important to be present to prevent any accidents happening.
Plants
There are several plants that are harmful to human health and can poison children. When planting there are a few to be aware of:
- Lily of the Valley – These flowers may be cute and dainty but contain chemicals known as glycosides that when consumed cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, rashes and even death.
- The Castor Oil Plant – Castor oil has a huge array of benefits. It can be taken to relieve constipation and has beauty benefits like hair growth. The plant itself however is highly toxic as it takes a single seed to kill a child. In the seed is a toxic protein called Ricin which causes severe dehydration and sickness.
- Rhubarb – Rhubarb stem has a distinct flavour that goes well with pies and other baked goods. The leaves themselves can make the kidneys shut down and has fatal consequences. For this reason, it’s best to steer clear to avoid children getting a hold of them and mistakenly eating them.
Ensure That You’re All Fenced and Gated Up
While you may have child-proofed your own garden from all risks, if you have a broken fence or compromised gate, your child may find a way into your neighbor’s garden or even outside. One way to avoid this might be by installing PVC Fencing or something similar since the wood itself can be dangerous if broken, leading to splinters and injury. To prevent this from happening you should regularly check their sturdiness and opt for ones that are long-lasting, like those made from PVC, Vinyl, and Wrought Iron. You can also look for fence builders Edmonton or near your location to learn more about fencing options available such as chain link fencing.
Keep in mind that a fence can be your best bet to prevent your kids from breaking free into the outdoors without any supervision. A well-installed, and good-quality fence will help keep things in (children and pets). Likewise, it can keep other things out (burglars and other unwelcomed guests). For this reason, many homeowners often opt for wood fencing Red Deer. This option is affordable, more sturdy, and adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of the house.
Besides fences, you should also pay attention to your gates. They should have secure locks, perhaps something that can be unlocked by fingerprints or facial recognition, that are out of reach for children and have a secure criss-cross design. You can also install security solutions like a CCTV camera at the property entrance for extra security.