Even though school is already back in session in many parts of the country, it’s still summer, which means that barbeques and various outdoor activities are still going on. With Labor Day coming up soon, it’s important to stay safe whenever engaging in an event that is going to take place outdoors. Thankfully, tips are offered in a new report to help citizens across the country stay safe under a variety of circumstances.
For one thing, residences with a pool are singled out as needing to follow safety guidelines. Especially when hosting a large get-together, it’s absolutely vital that precautions are taken so that guests are safe. Children around both in-ground and above-ground pools should be supervised, as it only takes a couple of inches of water for kids to drown. Parents should never leave a child alone by themselves in a yard where a pool is present, a sentiment that becomes even more important when the kid is actually in the water.
One danger that parents might not think about is the threat posed by a common sprinkler. When an event is being held on a wooden patio, for instance, water can create a slick surface that would endanger children running back and forth. Make sure to keep the deck dry if possible, and should stairs are likely to become wet, then you might want to invest in a non-slip surface that wouldn’t place guests in harm’s way.
Even with houses that don’t have pools, a barbeque can still be hazardous. Different sets of challenges await those who use propane versus charcoal grills. For the former, a quick check should be conducted to ensure that every hose is secured and working properly. To offset the threat of a leak, make sure that you turn off the tank itself in addition to the grill. With charcoal grills, be sure to only use those lighter fluids deemed appropriate according to the usage instructions of the grill manufacturer. And for either type of grill, make sure kids understand the danger posed by the grill, and steer them clear when they’re out playing.
Many summer events will last long into the night, which is why it’s important to invest in lights that illuminate your deck and any paths that guests are likely to tread upon. If you opt to go with something like tiki torches instead of the more common electric lights, then utilize caution. Install them somewhere that it’s unlikely a guest will knock them over, and follow the usage instructions the same way you would with a grill.
Following these tips can go a long way toward preserving safety.