So, you're
familiar with the risks of an "attractive nuisance" and want to make sure you
can protect yourself. Here are some everyday examples and simple steps you can
take to ensure you won't fall victim to a lawsuit:
Swimming
Pools
If your
property hosts a swimming pool, fence in the area around the pool. While in
many states this is the law, putting up a fence is simply good common sense. A
fence tells neighborhood kids the pool is off limits, unless they have your permission.
If you have a trampoline, swing set or any other sporting equipment that could
create an attractive nuisance, it might be in your best interest to consider
fencing in your yard.
Appliances
Remove the
doors from refrigerators and washing machines or otherwise dismantle appliances
before placing them on the curb for pick up. A young child is sure to see a
lone refrigerator as an ideal hiding spot. By removing the door, you're not
only protecting children, you're protecting yourself.
Power
Tools
Don't
leave power tools unattended. If you're working outside with your table saw,
turn off the electricity or unplug the extension cord. Before you go inside
for lunch, take a bathroom break or step away to chat with the guy next door,
make sure your power tools are inoperable. Leave heavier equipment such as
tractors or lawn mowers completely shut off. If keys are needed for the
machinery to run, take them out of the ignition and keep them with you. Finally,
always place tools, lawnmowers and other small, hazardous objects in a tool
shed or the garage when you're finished using them. Heavier equipment should
also be put away or kept covered in a fenced in area.
Construction
Debris
What child
wouldn't want to play in a pile of bricks or discarded lumber? Construction
debris contains a number of potentially lethal child hazards so you want it to
look as unattractive as possible to the youngsters in your area. If you can, keep
debris in a dumpster or fenced-in area and cover it with a tarp. Place "Do Not
Touch" or "No Trespassing" signs around the pile so older children can read
them. Let parents of young children know what's there and advise them to
caution their children to stay away.
Liquor
Cabinets
Teenage
children are likely to find a liquor cabinet very attractive. The last thing
you need is for an adolescent to drive or have some other accident after
drinking at your house. Keep alcohol locked or hidden away at all times.
Automobiles
Regardless
of whether or not they run, cars should always be off limits to neighborhood
children. Roll up the windows, remove the keys and lock the doors. If your
car is a convertible, keep the top up.
Falling
Hazards
Keep wells,
sinkholes, trenches, construction ditches and anything else a child can fall
into covered. If you have a well or abandoned mine on your property be sure to
block off the entrance, preferably with a cement cap.
You may
have other objects in on your property that aren't included in this list. Any
object on your property, no matter the size, has the potential to be an
attractive nuisance. In order to better protect the kids in the neighborhood
and, by extension, yourself, consider whether or not what's in your yard can be
harmful. Think back to when you were a kid – would you have played with it? If
so, how? Remember to take all necessary steps to prevent a possible tragedy.
You're not
legally obligated to practice child safety procedures. After all, it's your
home, they are not your kids, right? Unfortunately, curious children can be
oblivious to words like "hazard," "property" and "trespassing." It's up to you
to patrol your area for potential hazards - if not for their safety, then for
your family's peace of mind.