Six Backyard Health Risks that Can Ruin Your Summer

Spending time in the backyard is a relaxing way to enjoy summer weather. But these six backyard safety risks are often overlooked by most homeowners— they’re also a few of the most dangerous things that might be lurking in your yard. Take some time this summer to scan your yard for these scary summer safety risks and make sure your backyard is safe before you spend time with family, friends and pets.
 
1) Outdoor grills: Grills can easily ignite combustible items in the blink of an eye. Make sure to keep your outdoor grill at least ten feet from anything combustible (including your home.)

2) Standing water: Standing water is not only a health risk, because it draws disease-carrying pests like mosquitoes; it’s also a drowning hazard for children. Kids can drown silently in as little as one inch of water.

3) Toxic plants: The American Association of Poison Control Centers reports that more than 68,000 people a year are poisoned by plants and pets are at risk too. Make sure your backyard and surrounding areas are free of potentially poisonous plants.

4) Pesticide residue: Pesticide residue can be dangerous and even deadly to pets and children. Consider the use of beneficial bugs that can help discourage ‘bad’ bugs, instead of chemical pesticides.

5) Weather-worn decks: Too much moisture can lead wooden decks to warp. Dry decks can easily become fire hazards. Maintain decks regularly and check for damage before using them.

6) Ladders: Ladders should be tall enough to reach the job you’re trying to complete. A good safety rule of thumb is to keep three limbs on the ladder at all times and always make sure leaning ladders are at a safe angle. When not in use, always store ladders securely out of sight.
 

• Tweet