Is your Child's Playground Safe?
It may seem like something that you take for granted. When you want to bring your children to a park or playground for some healthy fun, you usually just head out to the closest location. However, it is important to take the time to consider what constitutes a safe playground and ensure that the location you have selected is in fact, a safe environment, where your children may play without the fear of danger or harm. Since many emergency room visits are the result of children becoming injured while playing at playgrounds, it’s very important to observe a few safety rules and tips before your children are allowed to have fun.
Access to the Playground
One factor to take into consideration is whether or not children will be traveling to the playground alone. If there are dangerous situations that children may encounter enroute, then you may find that it is best to provide transportation or locate a different playground. If the playground is located by a busy street or some type of dangerous environment, you should make certain that there is ample protection to keep children safely enclosed within the playgrounds borders. Gates and fences should be high enough to prevent children from wandering away.
Is your Child's Playground Weatherproof?
Another important aspect to consider when choosing a safe playground is weather. For instance, if you live in a hot climate, sun exposure can cause metal playgrounds to heat up. Slides and swing sets can become dangerous and actually burn young children. Also, strenuous physical activity in the heat of the day, (even if it is activity that results from playing) can lead to heat exhaustion and even heat stroke. Visit the playground during cooler times of the day and avoid peak sun. Also, check the playground for adequate shade and protection from the elements. If the play area is adequately shaded, children are less likely to suffer from the effects of high heat. However, you should always ensure that your child is wearing a quality sun block when playing at the playground. Protecting children from harmful ultraviolet rays while they are young is a key strategy in preventing skin cancer in adults.
Choose Age Appropriate Activities
You should always make sure that the activity that your child engages in while at the playground is age appropriate. Toddlers and preschoolers should only play on equipment that is safe and that has been designed specifically for them. Likewise, older children should be discouraged from playing with younger children’s equipment. Generally, equipment that has been designed for toddlers is recommended for children between the ages of 6 months and 2 years old. Preschool equipment is designed for children between the ages of 2 and 5 years old. School age equipment is designed for children between the ages of 5 and 12. Choose a playground that clearly defines separate areas for each age group.
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