Tip Tuesday: Take Precautions to Make Summer Play Safe

With only one more day of school before summer break, now is the time to make sure you have childproofed your home - and your backyard!

Something that usually gets overlooked? The swingset. Make sure its secure before your kids break for summer vacation this week.

The U.S. National Safety Council offers these suggestions:

1. Make sure the set is sturdy and can accommodate your child's growth.
2. Ensure that the set is stable by installing the legs in concrete or with anchors. Make sure it's secured below ground level to avoid a tripping hazard.
3. Make sure all bolts and screws are covered.
4. Avoid swingsets with "S" hooks, or rough and sharp areas.
5. Look for slides that aren't too steep -- a maximum of 30 degrees. Borders on each side of the slide should be at least 2 1/2 inches, and there should be a flat area at the base of the slide near the ground.
6. Avoid equipment that is more than eight feet high.

Source: Bloomberg Businessweek

Be Safe,
Michelle D.