Making Your Backyard Safe for Your Kids and Pets by Margie Miller - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ OCTOBER ►
S M T W T F S
27 28 29 30 01 02 03
04 05 06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
View Events
Submit Events
directory

Making Your Backyard Safe for Your Kids and Pets

By Margie Miller, of Grand Terrace
September 2, 2015 at 12:46pm. Views: 271

(BPT)—The sun is shining, the air smells of freshly cut grass and the kids are out of school. Long, lazy summers are a staple of any childhood, and getting outside for exercise and fresh air is healthy for both children and pets alike. By taking some simple safety measures in your backyard, you can also enjoy a relaxing, stress-free summer. Fence your yard: A fence offers a sectioned-off area for your children and pets to play without your having to worry about them running into the street. A fence can also offer privacy, which adds a degree of safety. It’s important to get a quality fence that won’t easily rot or fall into a state of disrepair, or it can become a liability instead of an asset. If you’re worried about the cost of a professionally installed fence, there are other options. “We believe anyone with some patience and time can save money installing their own fence to keep kids safe this summer,” says Denise Esser of WamBam Fence, a company that manufactures do-it-yourself vinyl fencing. “Vinyl is a great material from a safety standpoint because it doesn’t form splinters or deteriorate. A good-quality vinyl fence is also strong enough to withstand children’s activities, such as balls bouncing off the panels.” Check for ground holes and tree roots: Weather, bugs or rodents can cause holes in your yard that are hard to detect when they’re hiding in lush grass. These are injuries waiting to happen, as a running child can break a bone or twist an ankle. Explore your backyard to see if there are any holes that need filling, or if tree roots or other natural debris can cause a tripping hazard. An easy way to determine this is to cut the lawn to a shorter level than you would otherwise, keeping a careful eye on the yard as you mow. This will enable you to see holes and other potential pitfalls more easily as they won’t be lurking under the grass. Keep sensitive items out of reach: You may be in a rush when mowing the lawn, but it’s very important to ensure that you put all equipment away when finished. Lawn mowers and weed whackers can be dangerous if left attended. Not only are they easy to trip over or crash into, but they often have sharp parts and contain gasoline, two things that can cause accidents. Chemical lawn fertilizer and pesticides might keep your plants and grass looking luscious, but they can be poisonous when ingested. Some chemical fertilizers are pretty in color and crystallized, making it tempting for young kids to try a taste. Always put chemical fertilizers and pesticides high up and out of reach. Summer is the time to relax and enjoy the sun, and by following these simply safety tips, you can be assured of a safe, peaceful season. By fencing in your yard, ensuring that there are no holes to cause broken or twisted ankles, and putting potentially dangerous items away and out of reach, you and your pets and children will have a more pleasant time enjoying the great outdoors.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 12:47pm. Views: 313

A quote that inspires Escess comes from the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant: “The moment you give up is the moment you let someone else win.” To learn more about Escess Coony and his philosophy…

Photo Courtesy of: https://www.grandterrace-ca.gov/government/elected_officials/city_council

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 354

Councilman Doug Wilson, serving Grand Terrace and seeking another term in the November 2026 election, read more about him and his values.

Photo Courtesy of: Margie Miller

By Margie Miller, Publisher, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:46am. Views: 308

Timber Ridge Steakhouse brings a familiar landmark back to life in San Bernardino, welcoming diners to enjoy hearty meals, warm hospitality and a locally operated dining experience. Step inside and read more below about the people and vision behind Timber Ridge’s newest chapter.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 198

Hope, strength and community come together during Breast Cancer Awareness Month as survivors, families and supporters wear pink to remind others that early detection can save lives. Learn about the warning signs, screening and simple steps that could make a life-saving difference—read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 327

San Bernardino is putting local business in the spotlight as entrepreneurs, business owners and community leaders prepare to connect, share ideas and discover new opportunities for growth. See how the upcoming Business Summit could help shape the city’s economic future, read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 439

Colorful traditions, music and dance come alive during Hispanic Heritage Month as communities across the Inland Empire celebrate the generations of Hispanic and Latino residents who have helped shape our region. Discover the stories, culture and contributions behind this month-long celebration—read more below.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 436

Young readers made a splash during the County Library’s 2026 Summer Reading Program, discovering new books, building reading skills and celebrating a summer filled with learning and imagination. Read more below to see how local readers made waves this summer.

Photo Courtesy of:

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 361

Moreno Valley residents of all ages can turn their time and talents into meaningful community impact, with volunteer opportunities that bring neighbors together while helping keep the city clean, connected and thriving. Read more below to see how volunteering gives residents a chance to take an active role in the community they call home.

Photo Courtesy of:

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 294

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 244

Lady, a two-year-old, female white Shepard mix who is is a sweet easygoing girl who enjoys being around people and making new friends.
Could Lady be the one you’ve been waiting for? Stop by the shelter and meet your new best friend.

Photo Courtesy of: Kaiser Permanente

By Carol Soudah, Contributing Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 468

Dozens of volunteers from Kaiser Permanente and its partners at Casa Blanca Home of Neighborly Service, a non-profit organization that services families in Riverside County. The one-day project strengthened the nonprofit’s ability to serve local families by improving community spaces, expanding capacity for the programs and resources local families rely on throughout the year, read more to find out how you can help.

Photo Courtesy of: Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino

By Rachel Bonilla, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 217

Since 2014, the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign has helped generate more than $245 million for Feeding America and local partner food banks across the country and has helped secure more than 2.4 billion meals* for people facing hunger. A volunteer packs food boxes for families in need, helping local hunger-relief organizations provide nutritious meals and essential resources to neighbors throughout the Inland Empire.

--> -->