TIPS FOR PARENTS

The garden is a place for all the family to enjoy but it can also be a place where accidents happen. Every year around 137,000 children in the UK go to hospital after being injured in the garden. Being more aware of some of the hazards and taking some simple safety measures can make your garden a much safer place for your kids to play.

You can make your garden a safer place for all the family by following these simple safety rules.

TOOLS
Never leave sharp tools lying around. Keep them out of reach or safely locked away.

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Unplug electrical equipment when not in use and keep out of reach of children. For your own safety too, never use it in the wet and keep it in good repair. A RCD (Residual Current Device) could also save a life.

CHEMICALS AND POISONING
When using weed killers, adhesives and solvents you can help prevent accidental poisoning or injuries to yourself or others by carefully following manufacturers instructions.  Always make sure chemicals are keep in their original container and NEVER be tempted to transfer them into empty food or drink containers for kids to mistake.

Always store chemicals and poisons in the garage or garden shed safely out of sight and out of reach of children, preferably in a secure cabinet.

PLANTS
Also make sure you know what plants are in your garden and which ones are poisonous so you can keep them out of the reach of children. Deadly Nightshade, Woody Nightshade, ivy berries, foxgloves, alder and bryony are among those that plants that are poisonous. There are other poisonous plants and others that can cause sickness. Charts and books are obtainable and if you are buying plants from your local garden centre be sure and ask for advice.

When using weed killers, adhesives and solvents you can help prevent accidental poisoning or injuries to yourself or others by carefully following manufacturers instructions.  Always make sure chemicals are keep in their original container and NEVER be tempted to transfer them into empty food or drink containers for kids to mistake.

SHEDS
Sheds are dangerous places for children and so they should be locked at all times unless in use. Use your shed to lock away sharp tools, electrical equipment and any dangerous chemicals.

FENCES, WALLS AND GATES
Kids can easily slip out through holes in fences, walls and gates and could end up on busy roads and streets. Check that your garden is secure and keep fences etc in good repair.

PLAY EQUIPMENT
Swings, slides, climbing frames, trampolines etc should be securely fixed and well maintained. Don’t put them on hard surfaces eg paving or near glasshouses.  Remember not to leave equipment such as ladders around as children can play on them and fall.

BBQ’S
BBQ’s can be a major fire hazard and could cause serious burns. Never leave children unattended around BBQ’s.

PATHWAYS
Broken, uneven and slippy paths and steps cause thousands of nasty accidents every year.  Keep them clean, well maintained and safe for everyone.

WATER
Tragically every year toddlers drown in ponds and paddling pools. Never leave kids unattended when playing around water. Drain or cover ponds and empty paddling pools immediately after use.

ANIMALS
Always keep an eye on kids when they are playing with animals and family pets. Make sure the animals are kept under control.