In the News - June 2009
Beware of dangers around the home
MURFREESBORO, Ark. - Don't assume that because your children are playing in
the backyard that they are safe from injury, warns Robbie McKinnon, Pike County
extension agent with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
She says backyard playground equipment and lawnmowers can pose dangers.
"Playground equipment should be tested occasionally to ensure it is sturdy
and safe," she says. "Make sure there is no torn metal to snag a child, raised
screws or other dangers."
"The area under and around the playground should be covered with material
such as hardwood chips, mulch or pea gravel. This covering should be at least 9
inches deep and extend 6 feet from all sides of the equipment," McKinnon
advises.
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 says.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 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,
including 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.
Another potential cause of injury to children is lawnmowers.
"You should mow the lawn when children are inside, not playing in the yard,"
says McKinnon. "The mower blade can kick up debris and shoot it out from the
mower at high speed. These missiles are dangerous to any child playing nearby.
Another potential danger is the noise of the mower, which can damage young
ears."
The mower operator should be careful and wear goggles and ear plugs for
protection.
Keep gardening and lawn care equipment away from children, McKinnon advises.
Store sharp gardening tools in a locked area, with blades pointing down.
To learn more about safety around the home, contact your county extension
agent or visit www.uaex.edu and select Home and Garden. The
Cooperative Extension Service is part of the University of Arkansas Division of
Agriculture.
June 12, 2009
Media Contact: Elizabeth Fortune
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2120
efortune@uaex.edu
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