by James Johnson

Created on: December 21, 2008   Last Updated: January 07, 2009

"Winter, spring, summer and fall; Out in the yard you can enjoy them all", and you can enjoy them all, but you need to be careful while doing it. Each season presents different opportunities and challenges to stay safe and yet enjoy the outdoors around you house. Of course, there are a few basic rules that apply to all seasons, so lets look at them first.

Power tools should never be used by young children. They can rake leaves, plant flowers and shovel snow, but are not up to using lawn mowers or electric trimmers, those are for adults and older children. Also, use common sense and dress appropriately, cool in summer to aviod heat stress and warm in winter to prevent hypothermia. Don't do general maintanence during storms. Also, learn about the safe use of your tools, it helps prevent acidents! Now for each season.

Let's start with winter and the "winter wonderland". Slipping on snow and ice is the obvious hazard to staying safe out in the yard, but is it the only one? Ice can accumulate on trees and roofs, sliding off and cutting you almost as badly as glass. For staying safe in the winter, try to keep the ice off the roof and trees, clear the roof or even tap it with a pole, breaking the ice into smaller pieces and knocking off the icicles. Do the same with the bigger branches on the trees.

Careful shovelling the snow, big shovelfuls can strain your back and dress warmly as well as to stay dry. If you put out yard lights, check the wires for shorts or cuts, ice will aggravate the situation and when it starts to melt, electrocute you!

Melting ice and snow means spring is on its way, and that presents new challenges to staying safe in the yard. Take care in cutting the grass as the spring thaw in many areas will force up rocks through the soil, but you should never go near the open area of the mower anyway. Even dust and grass twigs can hurt and cause eye problems or skin irritations. Turn the lawnmower off to check it, those blades are sharp and fast. Walk around and check things when the snow has just melted and before the grass gets thick.

As spring shifts to summer, the yard will change and to stay safe, you need to change what you are watching for. In summer, you mainly want to watch for insects. Ants are a real problem in the South and bees and wasps start spreading around. Check under the eaves of storage sheds or even the main house for wasps' nests and spray them before they become big. Bees swarm and if they move in, call an extension agent or beekeeper, go away for a few days until they can come!

The little insects are all there for pollinating to flowers, and most yards will have flowers. Be careful with pesticides. To stay safe, read the directions and warning labels; don't overspray, mix chemicals or spray into the wind. Pesticides are for use on the yard and not in your lungs or eyes. Always keep some clean water nearby to flush things out and the contact number for the poison control centre in a conspicuous place.

Summer can also cause troubles with the weather. Heat can kill, so drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Also, avoid yard work during electrical storms or you may be in for a "shocking experience"!

Summer now gives way to fall. The temperatures start to drop and so do the leaves. Insect and many other creatures start looking for a place to hibernate. Keep checking the eaves and if in the country watch out for snakes. Most snakes are harmless, but can startle you and cause an accident. They are more active in the fall as they are looking for places to sleep through the winter.

Fall becomes winter, and so hopefully you have stayed safe and enjoyed the yard though out all the seasons!

Learn more about this author, James Johnson.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.