For most people, summer is a time of vacation and relaxation, but for thousands of families each year, it can be a time of medical strife. The National Safe Kids campaign reports that one in four kids ages fourteen and younger sustain medical injuries during the summer that require medical attention. They have also found that forty percent of all injury related emergency room visits, and forty-two percent of all injury deaths happen between the months of May and August. The statistics are chilling, and a frightening wake up call for parents everywhere. There are easy ways to help prevent the principle causes of injuries to children.

Playground Flooring
Is your playground really as safe as you’d like it to be? Studies have shown that rubber mulch is the safest playground flooring on the market. Rubber mulch looks like wood chips, but is made out of recycled rubber, providing an alternative that is friendly to kids and to the environment. The flooring has shock absorbing properties that help prevent injuries in children. Rubber mulch in your neighborhood playground can be the difference between sprained wrists or merely bruises. Check with your neighborhood parks department that the parks and playgrounds in your area are equipped with rubber mulch.

Keep Them Hydrated
Kids are often very busy having a good time, and forget mundane details such as meals and drinks. It is vital to keep your children hydrated with water, especially during long periods outdoors and at the pool. Dehydration is a leading cause of emergency room visits for children, as their small bodies retain less water than adults, and they can rapidly dehydrate to dangerous levels.

Helmets
Whether it’s on a scooter, bike, roller blades, or the like, a helmet is vital. Helmets can be the difference between life and death. Dusk is a particularly dangerous time, as drivers have lower visibility, and may not see a child before it’s too late. Make sure that your kids don’t leave the driveway without a helmet on.

Write to your local officials to ensure that rubber mulch is used in community playgrounds, and keep a large stock of water on hand at all times. Make sure that your kids’ helmets fit well, and are in good condition. Keep your summer experience happy and healthy with the necessary safety guidelines in place.

Playground safety is a major concern for any parent or caregiver. It has to be noted that even minor injuries at play can lead to fatal situations. Over the years rubber mulch has gained much popularity owing to its safety benefits. It is a proven fact that a playground with rubber mulch has more shock absorbing power than a playground with sand.

There are certain safety guidelines to be followed regarding the depth of the mulch. It has to be placed at 9 inches deep. Since it can get compressed with the passage of time, it is advisable to be laid at an initial depth of 12 inches. It should be remembered not to lay down rubber mulch over asphalt or concrete. It is good to start with a layer of gravel and a geo textile fabric on top of it. Protective mats can be used if needed under slides or swings before the mulch is laid down. Regular check has to be done to avoid shifting and displacement of the mulch.

Rubber mulch is a favorite choice of playground in day cares and homes. Their smooth surface and cushions minimize playground impacts which can be dangerous. They are highly durable and come in vibrant colors enhancing the beauty of the playground.

Are you planning t surface your play ground or back yard. In this article you will find various surfacing options which are available in today’s market. Top six materials which are used to surface playgrounds and yards are as follows:-
1. Pour-in Place Rubber
2. Rubber Mulch
3. Rubber Chips
4. wood strips
5. Rubber Tiles
6. Artificial glass

Every material has its own advantages and disadvantages. There are several factors which should be considered while opting a surfacing option for your playground garden or back yard. Let’s discuss them one by one.
1. The material you are using to cover your garden should be safe for children as well as adults. It should be soft and durable. The material should act as a shock absorber. These types of material will avoid several types of injuries and accidents in the playground area.
2. The material which is being used for surfacing the playground should be environment friendly. By using rubber mulch you are giving a hand in rubber recycling process. Rubber waste which is not recycled can be very harmful for the nature. Playground Mulch has been recommended one of the best surfacing options by the government authorities and officials.