Outdoor Fun -safely
By Arleen M. Kaptur, Fri Dec 9th

There are so many ways to decorate your outdoor living area.Some people have swimming pools, others have hot-tubs. There aregazebos, birdbaths, rock gardens, ponds, flower gardens, etc.

Everything in your outdoor living area should beweather-resistant and simple to maintain. If wind, rain, or theoutdoor elements can damage or pit a decorative touch, findsomething similar to replace it. Also, make sure that alldecorative touches are safe. Picnic tables or benches should besanded so that tiny slivers don’t harm or hurt. Webbing onchairs or loungers should be repaired and replaced. Cords shouldnot be raveled and everything should be in easy sight. You wouldnot appreciate tripping over an ornament hidden under brush ortucked around a corner to grab toe or heel. Just a few simpleprecautions and you have a fun, safe outdoor getaway.

Using oilcloth or heavy plastic sheeting on picnic tables thatis easy to clean, and tacked down will keep everything you servesafe and sound. Plastic pitchers, cups, and plates arepreferable to glass ones, as those tiny slivers from brokenglass are almost impossible to find in grass or sand. Afirst-aid kit that is readily available and handy is of primeimportance. From scratches, scrapes, bug bites, or burns, havinga remedy close at hand eases the pain and soothes the fear.Cords stretched across grassy areas are a hazard for anyonerunning through or walking through as they admire your flowersand garden. Sunscreen and insect repellant are also a must. Theyshould be available to family and friends who visit.

Food should be kept cold if they are cold items and hot if theyare intended to be hot. Try not to keep food out longer than onehour or provide ice bowls to place the food in or sterno or hottrays for the hot food. Keep foods covered with plastic lids orfoil. Also use serving utensils to prevent everyone from havingto use their own eating utensils. Cans of beverages, or juiceboxes are much preferred over glass bottles or glass cups.Additional ice for beverages or just to refresh and revive are avery thoughtful accent. Grills or barbecues should be away fromanything flammable or that flutters in the wind. Long sleevesfor the “griller” should be avoided as well as clothing thatcould catch on fire. An extinguisher nearby is a must, as wellas a pail of water for immediate use, but not on a grease fire.Refuse containers should be provided well away from the mainactivity so those darn unwanted insect guests are kept away.Using plastic garbage bags, collection used plates and cupsimmediately, and securing the bags with ties will prevent a lotof bits and bumps.

Also, remember wet feet running onto an indoor floor can slipand fall. Keep additional towels at entrances and secure rugsfor safety. A dampened paper towel in a little plastic sandwichbag next to each plate provides a welcome way to clean stickyfingers and faces. This also keeps insect pests from landing onsmall children and biting. Have all chemicals safety put away soinquisitive children or pets are not injured. A portable phoneclose by is a blessing if an emergency should occur. Also havingthe vital phone numbers such as hospital, fire, police, etc.taped or placed on patio or porch may give the extra time neededto avoid a catastrophe. In case of rain or thunderstorm, preplana place for all to gather and continue having fun. If you have apool, keep rules simple but mandatory. No rough housing in

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thewater, and small children should never be left alone. An adultshould always be present. Slip resistant access is vital as wellas floatation devices if boating or other water activityincludes anyone going out into open water. Your thoughtfulnesswill be very much appreciated and everyone will relax and havefun knowing that all the bases for their personal safety arecovered as much as possible.

It doesn’t take a lot of time to prepare a safe environment forall your outdoor fun. Just a few things to insure that everyonehas a great time and all go home with great memories. ENJOY!©Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 June

About the author:Arleen M. Kaptur has written numerous articles, booklets, andthe novel: Searching For Austin James Websites:http://www.arleenssite.com http://www.Arleens-RusticLiving.comhttp://www.webspawner.com/users/rusticlivinghttp://topica.com/lists/simpleliving