Summer Safety Tips from UL

I love summer time, but there's so much during the summer that poses a threat to my kids and that scares the crap out of me. Underwriters Laboratories has put together a great resource of tip sheets for pool and playground play safety. Any ways that I can avoid dragging the kiddos off to the E.R. is a good thing!!

Some of the great tips include the 10/20 rule for pool, or any other water, safety. The pool should be scanned every 10 seconds, and a parent or a responsible adult should never be no more than 20 seconds away.

Here are some more great tips!

Home Pool Safety
If you have a pool at home, install a fence. The fence should be at least four feet high and have a self-closing, self-latching gate that has a locking mechanism beyond a child’s reach.

Cut overhanging tree limbs and remove chairs or ladders from the pool area to prevent children from climbing over the fence that surrounds the pool.

Keep grates and drain covers in good repair and secured in place. Alert your family and guests to stay away from these devices, as the suction from drain outlets can be strong enough to cause entrapment of hair or body parts, which can potentially cause a person to drown.

Make sure you know infant and child CPR if you own a pool.

Playtime Safety
Carefully inspect backyard playground equipment. Make sure equipment is anchored safely in the ground, all equipment pieces are in good working order, S-hooks are entirely closed and bolts are not protruding.

Check for spaces that could trap children, such as openings in guardrails or between ladder rungs. These spaces should measure less than 3.5 inches or more than 9 inches.

Always supervise children on play set equipment to make sure they are playing safely.

Never attach ropes, jump ropes, clotheslines, pet leashes or cords of any kind to play set equipment. If used improperly, they can be potential strangulation hazards.

Watch for potential trip hazards, such as rocks, tree stumps and concrete footings. Make sure you’re children are aware of them as well.

Do a sandbox check. Before letting your child dig in, rake through the sand to check for debris or sharp objects. Also, inspect for any animal contamination or insect problems.

You can even go over the Disney pool safety video with your kiddos, and since it features Timon and Pumbaa from The Lion King, they may be a bit more apt to pay attention!!

wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Underwriters Laboratories. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.