Fall Yard Water Hazards Checklist

🍂 Step 1: Leaf-Covered Water

• Check pool and spa covers after every storm. A cover holding rainwater and leaves can look like solid ground. Keep children off it and pump or drain it promptly.
• Look for water hiding under leaves. Window wells, low spots, uncovered drains and pond edges disappear under fall leaves. Walk the yard before children play.
• Keep leaf piles away from water. Raking is a great job for kids, but keep piles and play zones well clear of ponds, covers and creek banks.
• Re-latch gates after yard work. Leaf blowers, wheelbarrows and open gates go together. Check the latch every time you finish.

🪣 Step 2: Rain Barrels, Buckets and Tubs

• Cover or lock every rain barrel. Use a tight lid or screen that a child cannot lift. Barrels and cisterns are deep enough for a toddler to drown.
• Empty buckets, wheelbarrows and wading pools. Rain refills them overnight. Turn them over and store them upside down.
• Turn over toys, planters and tarps. Anything that can collect even a few inches of water should be tipped out or stored.
• Check the garage and shed. Mop buckets, coolers and half-full paint-rinse tubs are a risk for curious toddlers.

🌧️ Step 3: Puddles, Ponds and Drainage

• Walk the yard after heavy rain. Note new standing water, flooded ditches and overflowing basins, and keep children away until they drain.
• Fence or avoid decorative ponds and fountains. Drain, cover or fence water features, and keep a hand on young children near any retention pond or creek.
• Clear storm drains and gutters. Do it from the ground and never let children play in flowing water or near culverts.
• Know the neighbour water. Ask about unfenced pools, ponds and hot tubs next door before children play outside together.

🏊 Step 4: Pool Closing and Off-Season Rules

• Keep the fence and gate working all fall. A closed pool still has water. Keep alarms, locks and self-latching gates on duty.
• Remove ladders, toys and furniture that help children climb in. Store them well away from the fence and cover.
• Keep a safety cover tight and clear. A loose or sagging cover is more dangerous than an open pool.
• Name a Water Watcher whenever children are in the yard. One adult, one job, eyes on the water. No phone. Hand off out loud.

🗓️ Step 5: Our Yard Water Plan