Each year, over a million injuries occur outdoors. Many of these injuries happen during recreational activities. However, many injuries occur with seemingly harmless products found in backyards, gardens, garages and home workshops.

West Metro Fire Fighters urge you to be careful and follow some simple injury prevention tips. Remember, the majority of these injuries can be prevented by taking a few simple safety measures:

• Inspect and remove debris from walkways, driveways, porches, and yards.
• Inspect and remove debris from lawns before mowing or gardening.
• Store outdoor equipment and tools properly.
• Make sure that ladders are stable and secure before using them.
• Do not use broken equipment or tools.
• Install outdoor handrails if elderly or frail.
• Do not let children engage in activities inappropriate for their age.
• Supervise younger children at all times.
• Do not let children use playgrounds with hard surface grounds.
• Do not dive in above ground pools or water less than 12 feet deep.
• Wear helmets for all wheeled sports and powered recreational vehicles.
• Wear helmets when riding a bike, scooter, skateboard or other “wheels”.
• Wear a life jacket when around open water.