Outdoor Safety for Kids and Pets

The elements wear on playgrounds all year, so give your play equipment a quick, annual tune-up before the kids start playing. Look over slides, swings and other pieces of equipment for any breaks, sharp edges, weak spots and loose or missing hardware. Tighten any bolts, screws, etc. with a wrench or screwdriver. Cover any exposed bolts with protective plastic or rubber caps. Make sure playground equipment is anchored properly so it won't tip over. Once you're sure the structure is sound, don't forget to check on and around play equipment for areas where bees, wasps or other pests could hide. Destroy any infestations you find with a spray insecticide.

Place a 10" layer of sand, mulch or wood chips under and around play equipment. This will provide a little cushion in case of any falls from a swing or monkey bars. If you have a sandbox, make sure to clean the sand before playtime. Remove bugs, leaves and other debris that doesn't belong. It's a good idea to replace the sand every year to avoid any hidden problems and keep this play area safe and clean.

There will be a lot of bare feet running through your yard in the summer. Make sure your porch or deck floor and handrails are splinter-free. Foot splinters aren't just painful—they can easily become infected. Use a medium-grit sandpaper to sand down any splinters or rough areas. While you're at it, don't forget to check wood patio furniture for any splintering or broken parts.

Examine your concrete or stone patio, sidewalks and walkways for large cracks, broken pieces and other tripping hazards. For tiny cracks in concrete less than 1/2" wide, patch with a concrete grout. First, clean the crack and surrounding area and remove any debris and dirt. Adding a bit of water to the inside of the crack will help the grout bond better. Apply small amounts of concrete grout until the crack is filled a bit above the surface. The grout will shrink as it dries.

Slightly larger cracks can be fixed with caulk. Prepare the crack as you would for a tiny crack. Using a caulking gun, apply caulk to the crack in small amounts until it is level with the surface.

The largest cracks—those that are larger than an inch—need to be repaired with concrete patching compound. Prepare the area the same as if you were patching a tiny crack, cleaning the area of dirt and debris. Mix the patching compound with water, adding water to the crack and the surface. Use a trowel to apply the compound to the crack in small amounts until it is filled.

If you have any kind of breaks that are larger in size, you may need to call a professional to do more extensive repairs.

After you've done diligence to the concrete in and around your yard, check your lawn for protruding tree roots near play areas. If you see any roots that might be a tripping hazard, you may have to use an axe or hatchet to cut them down so they're level with the ground. But take care so you don't damage the tree—check with a local horticultural expert before you cut any roots.

The number one rule for keeping kids safe around your pool is adult supervision. Keep little ones in your line of sight at all times when they're playing around water. To keep your kids safe, install fences that are at least 4' tall around the entire pool; all gates should be self-closing and self-latching. Cover the pool when it's not in use. And always keep rescue equipment by the pool.

Don't let your pet come in contact with hazardous chemicals such as herbicides and insecticides out in the yard. Keep these kinds of materials locked away in appropriate storage areas.

Routinely clean up pet waste from the yard. There are a variety of pet waste scoops and bags that make cleaning up after your pet easy. Any dog waste left to sit for an extended period of time can be a health hazard for your pet and your family. It's a haven for bacteria and can easily be tracked back in the house by your dog or anyone in your household. Training your dog to go in a certain part of the yard will make clean up duty easier and more convenient.

Collect any pieces of wood, rocks and debris your dog might choke on, disposing of them in a heavy-duty trash bag. Collect your kids' toys from around the yard so that your dog can't chew or choke on them. If your dog is a "chewer," be sure to keep your garden hose out of harm's way.

Examine the vegetation in your yard. Sometimes the mushrooms that grow on your lawn can be poisonous. Because dogs are very curious, they may eat the fungi and become very ill. Some plants and berries can be poisonous as well. Pull up any mushrooms or potentially harmful plants and dispose of them in a trash bag. Put the bag in a pet-proof receptacle, such as a 30-gallon trashcan. If you're not sure what might be harmful to your pet, check with your veterinarian.

If you don't have a fence around your yard, you may want to consider putting one in for your pet's safety.

If you opt for a chain-link fence, remember what kind of dog you're fencing in. Larger, more agile breeds can easily hop over a fence if it isn't high enough. A 6' tall fence should be adequate, but be sure his doghouse or any other structure isn't too close to the fence — you don't want him to climb or jump to freedom.

If a chain link fence isn't your first choice, think about putting in a privacy fence. This makes it difficult for your dog to see things on the other side and can help discourage any escape attempts.

If you already have a fence, examine it closely and try to think like a dog. How might he try to get out? Repair any loose fence slats or chain links. If there are places at the bottom of the fence where he could dig his way out, put in wire mesh fencing to discourage digging.

Pets are just as susceptible to heat as humans. Put your dog's house or shelter in a shady area, such as under a tree. This can also shelter him from any rainstorms. Provide your pet with plenty of water in an appropriate water receptacle — you may want to put out more than one water bowl since they can spill.

Sometimes it just happens — your dog finds a way to escape or is accidentally let out. Just in case, make sure you dog's collar has an updated ID tag with his name and your name, current address and phone number. It's also not a bad idea to have your dog fitted with a microchip. These chips are injected under your dog's skin so if he is lost, he can be identified when picked up by animal control or taken in by a shelter or veterinarian. The chip is virtually foolproof; it can't be lost like a collar can.

Nice work. You've made your yard a safe haven for kids and pets alike, so now you can relax and enjoy the summer.