In the News - July 2008
Backyard playthings present hazards
MURFREESBORO, Ark. - Pools, playgrounds and lawn care equipment are all
potential safety hazards this summer, says Robbie McKinnon, Pike County
extension agent with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
"Pools and playgrounds get lots of use, so be vigilant," she said.
In 2007, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated 2,200 injuries
to children five years of age and younger associated with pools and spas.
Children in or around a pool require constant adult supervision. No child
should be allowed to swim without the presence of an adult. Keep the pool area
clear of toys and clean spills as soon as they happen to reduce the risk of
falling. Pool chemicals should be stored in a dry, locked location, in their
original containers.
In order to prevent tragedy, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) recommends designating an adult whose only responsibility is supervising
the children. Learning rescue methods and how to swim are also recommended.
"Take a class to learn First Aid and CPR," McKinnon said.
Playground equipment should be tested occasionally to ensure it is sturdy and
safe. There should be no torn metal, raised screws or any other danger to
children. The area under and around the playground should be covered with a soft
material; like hardwood chips, mulch or pea gravel. This covering should be at
least nine inches deep and extend six feet from all sides of the equipment.
Playground equipment and accessories should be appropriate for the age of the
children.
"If you allow older and heavier teens to use the equipment, it could be
compromised and become unsafe for the younger children for whom it was
designed," she said.
According to the CDC, emergency departments across the country treat more
than 200,000 children ages 14 and younger for playground-related injuries. About
45 percent of these injuries are severe - dislocations, fractures, concussions,
internal injuries and amputations. While the majority of nonfatal injuries
occurred on public playground equipment, the CDC reports 70 percent of fatal
injuries occur on home playgrounds.
Mowing the lawn should be done when children are inside, not trying to play
in the yard. Clear the yard of any obstacles, as they could shoot from under the
running blades. Ear plugs should be worn to protect against the loud noise of
the lawn mower and goggles should be used to protect against potential flying
debris.
Gardening and lawn care equipment should be kept away from children. Store
sharp gardening tools in a locked area, with blades pointing down.
To learn more about summer safety, visit www.uaex.edu.
The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the University of Arkansas Division
of Agriculture.
July 3, 2008
Media Contact: Lamar James
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207
ljames@uaex.edu
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