News : Area residents reminded of playground dangers

Benton County Public Health is reminding adults and children of the risk of burns from playground equipment. Many older metal slides, stair steps, and swings have been replaced with newer materials such as plastic and rubber but those surfaces are also capable of becoming hot enough to burn a child’s skin.

As the suns rays are most direct this time of year, surfaces can become hot enough to cause a burn even when daytime temperatures are in the 70’s and 80’s. Any surface of outdoor equipment which is in the direct sunlight for an extended period of time has the potential to become hot enough to burn a child’s skin. Children under the age of 2 years are particularly at risk. The skin of a child of this age is thinner and more delicate. A younger child is also less likely to move quickly when a surface is hot enough to cause a burn.

To reduce the risk of accidental burns while having outdoor fun this summer consider the following suggestions:

• Appropriate clothing for the playground- pants/shorts and shoes instead of swim suits and bare feet.
• Check the temperature of the equipment surface before letting children play on the playground- be sure to leave your hand in place long enough to get the full effect of the heat- an adult hand will tolerate more heat than a small child’s sensitive skin.
• Be aware of the location of the equipment and if direct sun has been a factor at any time of the day- arriving later in the day when the sun is less intense does not guarantee that the equipment has cooled to a safe surface temperature if it was in direct sunlight most of the day.
• Supervise children at all times while on the playground- remember young children cannot always tell you what is wrong and supervision can help prevent some playground injuries.
• Look for warning signs or special instructions before letting children use playground equipment.