well being/ family safety : PLaY It SaFE

Smart Bounching:
Trampolines can be a fun backyard investment. But do your homework. Make sure you are comfortable witht he risk and know what your insurances covers. Thenational Association of Insurance Commissioners suggest checking your home-owner's policy before installing a trampoline. Visit naic.org for more informaton.

so to bounce safely?

ADD IT UP.The U.SS, Consumer Product Safety Commission recommands postponing installation until your child is over the age 6. Neck and back injuries are the most common, and they usually occur when kids dont land on their feet.

Dig in. The ground that is. The lower to the ground the trampoline is, the less distance your child can fall. Consider digging a pit that the trampoline sits in rather then raising the legs as high as they can extend from the level ground.

Say yes to protective gear. Tail enclosures and shock- absorbing pads that cover the springs may cost a little more but are smart safety precautions.

Say no to more than one bouncer. "More than 75% of injuries occur when there's more than one kid jumping at a time," says Glenn Victor, spokesperson for the United Safety Council in Orlando.

Use Spotters. Have adults supervise at all times to assit a jumping child if he/she begins to fall.


Safe Splashing:
Planning on breating the heat with a backyard pool or inflatable water toy? " keep an eye on your child at all times"; says Victor. Simple precautions can protect your family when you're using:

Inflatable pools. " empty the pool and turn it upside down when you're done using it", says victor. And beware of slippery plastic when purchasing a pool.

Rigid-Sided pools. Get a safety cover and always use it when swimming sessions are finished. Make sure your kids understand that when the pool is covered.It's off-limits.


Careful Climbing:
Backyard Playgrounds provide great exercise right at home. Wheather you're choosing and installing a new set or giving your present one a once-over, consider these tips:

Opt for cushy surfaces. Nearly 70% of playground injuries are caused by tumbles to the ground, according to the United safety Council. So instead of erecting your set on concrete or even grass, consider laying down wod chips, sand, rubber play mats or even shredded tires ( check out rubberecycle.com) underneath and around the play structure.

Check for protruding bolts. Secure all bolts and S-hooks, says victor, who suggests following up by installing rubber safety caps over bolts.

Forgo ropes. "kids are fascinated by rope swings and ladders," Victor says, but they're strangulation hazards and therefore no-no's. Ditto for jum ropes or pet leashes, which your child may attach to climbing bars.