Tree House
When you're building your child a tree house, you're probably just as excited as he is about it--especially if you never had one as a kid. Or even if you did have one! But when you're building it, keep these things in mind.
Keeping Your Child's Tree House Safe
Before you buy a tree house or start construction, make sure the tree you're going to build it in is strong and sturdy enough to hold it--and your kids. Just because a tree is big doesn't always mean it's sturdy. If the wood is rotting, the extra strain of a tree house could bring it down. Also, make sure you build the tree house between two strong branches. They will serve as "arms" to support the tree house. Here are some other things to keep in mind:
- It's okay to have windows in the treehouse, but make sure the glass is that virtually unbreakable plexiglass, not real glass. If it got broken, it could be a real safety hazard.
- If you have a walkway around the outside perimeter of your tree house, make sure there's a rail or even side board so there's no chance of anyone falling out.
- When construction is complete, make sure the tree house is safe by making sure that there are no bolts, screws or nails sticking out. In addition, the platform and ladder should be sturdy, and there should be no wood sticking out that can cause splinters.
- Make sure the ladder is very, very sturdy.
Some of these things might be obvious, we know, but sometimes it takes someone to state the obvious before you remember it.
All material copyright © 2008 Outdoor Safety USA. All rights reserved.
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