Emergency Medical Services (EMS) would like to encourage parents and caregivers to ensure their backyard play areas are made safe for children this summer. Although direct supervision is the best method to reduce the chance of injury, always ensure play equipment in your yard is in good repair and is suited to the age and skill of the children using it. Check the equipment often; replace or repair any worn or broken parts. It’s also advised to set up play equipment on top of a nine-inch layer of shock-absorbing material which extends six feet out in all directions from the play area.
Water Hazards
- Drowning contributes to unintentional injury-related death among children ages one to four
- Children can drown in just a few centimetres of water if it covers their mouth and nose
- Ensure all backyard swimming pools are fenced. The fence must be at least 1.8 metres high and have a self-latching, self-closing, lockable gate. (*Alberta Building Code)
Lawn and Garden Tools
- Keep young children away from outdoor power equipment
- Serious burns may result from touching hot engine surfaces
- Ensure that all sharp tools, fuel, chemicals, and other hazardous substances are stored in a secure, locked area. A simple latch may not be sufficient.
Insect Bites and Stings
- Minimize the risk of attracting insects by not wearing strong perfumes or scented lotions
- Avoid wearing brightly coloured clothing outdoors
- Consider destroying or relocating hives and nests situated near your home
- To avoid injury through inadvertently stepping on a stinging insect, always wear footwear outdoors
- If your child has received an ‘EpiPen, Junior’ prescription from your physician (for anaphylactic reactions only) ensure they understand when and how to use it
- If your child experiences a severe reaction to an insect sting, or other environmental cause, seek medical attention, or call 9-1-1.
