​Yard and Outdoor Safety​

​Yards, parking lots, playgrounds, athletic fields, courts, and pools should be inspected regularly for hazards and safety issues. For additional information about facilities management and maintenance,​ see Facilities.

• Athletic, play, and other structures should be selected with care to avoid anything with protruding hardware or openings that could trap fingers, feet, hands, etc.

• Areas under playground equipment must have surfaces that protect children in case they fall.

• Once equipment is installed, ongoing maintenance and checks are essential; broken parts should be fixed immediately.

• Consider fencing all yards, playgrounds, athletic fields, and courts for safety reasons.

• Swimming pools shall be fenced and secured against unauthorized entry.
  

• Tents, canopies and other temporary structures must be erected in accordance with manufacturer's instructions, secured against adverse weather conditions, and, possibly, require fire department permits.

At many locations, parish and school parking lots serve multiple purposes. Locations shall develop a plan to ensure safety for vehicles and pedestrians at all times. The plan should take into account the needs of everyone at the location during all of the activities that require use of the parking lot, particularly during school hours, after-school activities, religious education, parish meetings, religious services, and pick-up and drop-off times. Refer to the Safety Survey of Exterior Conditions and Operations Self-Inspection Checklist for additional guidance.

3-31-21