Spring is here. As the temperatures begin to warm up, we find ourselves longing to get outside. Around the globe, people are laying plans for lovely backyards. We prepare our property for beauty and comfort. We install pools, backyard barbeques, and bars and prepare to entertain family and friends. This is a good life.
(Image credits unsplash)
However, we must remember that our lovely backyards can be dangerous to little children and even pets. The very items that we place to make our property attractive, fun, and alluring, can attract children. You may be a childless family. Or, you may have strict rules in your family about unsupervised children. But children can get into situations that they have no way of getting out of. A wise property owner takes measures to secure his or her property. Let’s take a look at some of the dangers at hand and simple precautions that will ensure your property is safe.
Backyard Pools
One of the most loved outdoor accessories is also the most dangerous. The backyard pool will attract children of all ages. Every year in the United States, more than 3500 people drown, one in every five of those deaths is a child. It is critical that you take steps to ensure that children cannot access your pool. Here are some steps you can take:
- Erect a fence around your pool that is at least 4’ feet tall.
- Have an alarm that sounds when your gate or the door from your home to the pool area is opened.
- Keep a cover on the pool when it is not in use.
- If the pool has a ladder that is detached, move it away from the pool when not in use.
- Keep yard furniture away from the pool area, so children cannot climb on it.
- Put all pool toys, floats, and pool instruments (such as scoops and nets) in a locked area, such as a tool shed.
- Keep a lifesaver, safety ring near the pool.
(Image credits pixabay)
Home safety
Most home break-ins happen during the daylight hours. This is due to the fact that more people are away from home during the day. If a burglar has easy access to your backyard, or if he can remain in your backyard without being seen, he may choose your home to break in. A few simple safety precautions may change his mind.
Plants
Bushes and shrubs are great hiding places for the home invader. Keep them to a minimum. Do not use them to create a wall of green. That privacy you afford is privacy he will take advantage of. Keep shrubs and tree branches trimmed well. Instead of planting bushes consider a nice flower bed. If you choose to grow Iceland Poppies, for example, they will give your yard vibrant color, ground coverage, and not attract someone wanting to be unseen. These plants bloom from May through July and come in white, yellow, and red. They are planted directly in the flowerbed from seed. If you start them in the house, use biodegradable cups that can be planted.
Lighting
Darkness is a friend to people who have no business on your property. Keep your yard well-lit. Install motion lights near gates, walkways, and windows, so that you are able to get a clear view of any person or animal that has entered your yard. If someone is out to steal or break-in, the lights will come on, and they will move on.
You should enjoy your property. You have worked hard, and you deserve to be able to relax in your own home. By taking a few simple safety precautions, you can rest easy knowing you have done all you can to ensure that your property and family are secure.
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