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Bradley Hebdon
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It is that time of year when parents take kids to the playground for some fresh air, exercise and fun. But each year, more than 200,000 kids are treated in ERs for playground-related injuries.

You can make the playground safe for your kids by checking equipment for potential hazards and teaching your kids how to play safely.

It goes without saying that kids should always have adult supervision so make sure you can clearly see your kids while they are playing and stay off your cell. The surface of the playground should be soft enough to cushion a child's fall. Look for loose hooks or bolts or even rough edges on equipment that can be hazardous to your kids.

Even with a safe playground, kids can still get injured if they don’t follow basic guidelines.  Here are six rules every kids should know about playground safety from the Nemours Foundation.

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  • 1

    No Pushing

    Never push or roughhouse while on jungle gyms, slides, seesaws, swings, and other equipment.

  • 2

    Use Euipment Properly

    Slide feet first, don't climb outside guardrails, no standing on swings, etc.

  • 3

    Keep it Clutter-Free

    Leave bikes, backpacks, and bags away from the equipment and the play area so that no one trips over them.

  • 4

    Make Sure It is Not Hot

    Check playground equipment in the summertime. It can become uncomfortably or even dangerously hot, especially metal slides, handrails, and steps. So use good judgment — if the equipment feels hot to the touch, it's probably not safe or fun to play on.

  • 5

    Nothing Hanging from Clothes

    Wear clothes that do not have drawstrings or cords. Drawstrings, purses, and necklaces could get caught on equipment and accidentally strangle a child.

  • 6

    Wear Sunscreen

    Wear sunscreen when playing outside even on cloudy days to protect against sunburn. Reapply every two hours especially if you are sweating.

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