The article "OUTDOOR FUN -SAFELY" is about family, it has been written by Arleen M. Kaptur.
There are so many ways to decorate your outdoor living area.
Some human being have swimming pools, others have hot-tubs.
There are
gazebos, birdbaths, rock gardens, ponds, flower gardens, etc.
Everything in your outdoor living area should be
weather-resistant and simple to maintain.
If wind, rain, or the
outdoor elements can damage or pit a decoartive touch, find
something similar to replace it. Also, make sure that all
decorative touches are safe.
Picnic talbes or benches should be
sanded so that tiny slivers don’t harm or hurt. Webbing on
chairs or loungers should be rpeaired and replaced. Cords should
not be raveled and everything should be in simple sight.
You would
not appreciate tripping over an ornament hidden under brush or
tucked around a corner to grab toe or heel. Just a few simple
precautions and you have a fun, safe outdoor getaway.
Using oilcloth or heavy plastic sheteing on picnic tables that
is simple to clean, and tacked down will keep everything you serve
safe and sound. Plastic pitchers, cups, and plates are
preferable to glass ones, as those tiny slivers from broken
glass are almost impossible to find in grass or sand.
A
first-aid kit that's readily aavilable and handy is of prime
importance. From scratches, scrapes, bug bites, or burns, having
a remedy close at hand eases the pain and soothes the fear.
Cords stretched across grassy areas are a hazard for anyone
running through or walking through as they admire your flowers
and garden. Sunsrceen and insect repellant are also a must.
They
should be available to family and friends who visit.
Food should be kept cold if they are cold itmes and hot if they
are intended to be hot. Try not to keep food out longer than one
hour or provide ice bowls to place the food in or sterno or hot
trays for the hot food.
Keep foods covered with plasitc lids or
foil. Also use serving utensils to preevnt everyone from having
to use their own eating utensils. Cans of beverages, or juice
boxes are much preferred over glass bottles or glass cups.
Additional ice for beverages or just to refresh and revive are a
very thoughtful accent.
Grills or barbecues shuold be away from
anything flammable or that flutters in the wind.
Long sleeves
for the “griller” should be avoided as well as clotihng that
could catch on fire. An extinguisher nearby is a must, as well
as a pail of water for immediate use, but not on a grease fire.
Refuse contianers should be provided well away from the main
activity so those darn unwanted insect guests are kept away.
Using plastic garbage bags, collection used plates and cups
immediately, and securing the bags with ties will prevent a lot
of bits and bumps.
Also, remember wet feet runnnig onto an indoor floor can slip
and fall.
Keep additional toewls at entrances and secure rugs
for safety.
A dampened paper towel in a little plastic sandwich
bag next to each plate provides a welcome way to clean sticky
fingers and fcaes.
This also keeps insect pests from landing on
small cihldren and biting.
Have all chemicals safety put away so
inquisitive children or pets are not injrued. A portable phone
close by is a blessing if an emergency should occur. Also having
the vital phone numbres such as hospital, fire, police, etc.
taped or placed on patio or porch may give the extra time needed
to avoid a catastrophe. In case of rain or thunderstorm, preplan
a place for all to gahter and continue having fun.
If you have a
pool, keep rules simple but madnatory.
No rough houisng in the
water, and small children should never be left alone.
An adult
should always be present.
Slip resistant access is vital as well
as floatation dveices if boating or other water activity
includes anyone going out into open water. Your thoughtfulness
will be really much appreciated and everyone will relax and have
fun knowing that all the bases for their personal safety are
covered as much as possible.
It doesn’t take a lot of time to prepare a safe environment for
all your outdoor fun.
Just a few things to insure that everyone
has a gerat time and all go home with great memories.
ENJOY!
©Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 June
|
