Your pool is open, your patio is decorated, and the smell of barbecue is in the air. You have everything you need to make your backyard a one-stop shop for summer fun. But did you read up on backyard summer safety tips? If not, here’s some excellent info for you.
Between your pool, grill, and fire pit, you have several risks to manage to ensure the best time at home. The good news is that this doesn’t have to be rocket science. Some basic tips and common sense are all you need to make your backyard in Iowa your favorite summer destination.
Who follows backyard summer safety tips? Everyone should know and follow your safety rules.
It’s your yard. Your rules. So you can use it how you want to, right? Make sure you have safety guidelines in place so that you and your family and guests can experience the best summer days and nights.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s U.S. Fire Administration, U.S. fire departments respond to roughly 5,700 grill fires each year. And the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that extra attention is needed for residential swimming pools near children – especially those age one to four. In short, your backyard amenities need you just as much as you need them. Respect them through safety, and they’ll reward you with cherished memories.
Here, we break down some backyard summer safety tips by area so you can enjoy them to the fullest.
Pool Safety
- Enclose your swimming pool with a fence.
If you have an inground pool in Iowa, you probably have this first tip covered. The City of Des Moines requires fencing of at least 48 inches around swimming pools to prevent children and pets from wandering in.
- Get a self-closing gate with an automatic locking system.
Your pool area is most secure when the gate to your pool closes itself. Furthermore, that gate should have a lock or latching mechanism that makes a sound when in place. As the adage goes, you need to “Listen for the click.”
- Clean and balance your pool water.
Whatever is in your pool will end up on your guests. So keep that water crystal clean and sparkling through weekly skimming, brushing, and vacuuming. Also, make sure the pool chemicals are at appropriate levels so no one leaves your pool with irritated skin and eyes.
Grill Safety
- Clean your grill.
If you let food residue build up on your grill, you create more fuel for the next flame. Don’t turn a kabob into a bonfire. Clean that grill after every use.
- Wear appropriate gear.
Hot smoke and fluids tend to leap off grilling surfaces. It’s a good idea to wear a full apron to protect your body. Also, keep a couple heat-resistant gloves nearby for when that grill gets extra hot.
- Keep a fire extinguisher close.
Grilling is cooking with fire, and you don’t want to be caught by surprise. Have a fire extinguisher or a cup of water handy in case your meal fuels the flame a little too much.
Fire Pit Safety
- Keep your fire pit over concrete.
The last thing you want under your fire pit is anything flammable that can spark a fire. A concrete surface beneath your fire pit prevents that. Also watch the weather and obey burn orders if restrictions are given due to dry climate.
- Check wind conditions.
How strong is the wind? Which direction is it coming from? Know these answers before you light a flame so you can better predict the behavior of your fire.
- Don’t burn flammable liquids.
Dry firewood is plenty of fuel for your fire pit. Or, if you have a gas fire pit, there’s nothing extra needed. Tossing lighter fluid or other accelerants into your fire pit can make your fire jump the barrier. Rogue fire is never a good thing! Protect your home and neighbors with smart burning.
What are your summer plans?
At Speck USA, our expertise will help you tick all the boxes on your safety checklist. Contact us today to learn how we can help keep you safe through pool maintenance service, fire pit design, and outdoor kitchen construction. With Speck USA, you can have a safe, happy backyard experience year-round.
