Local accident attorney offers 10 ways to protect children from an attractive nuisance

Attractive nuisances can lead to death or serious injury and leave you liable.  While every situation is unique, I suggest erring on the side of caution and using common sense to keep our children safe.  As an accident attorney in north central Florida, I suggest eliminating obvious dangers that may pose risks to children. Consider these 10 "child proofing" options to protect Florida's children and yourself:

• 1. Install safety devices, like a fence, around a pool, hot tub, or other body of water to protect children, in compliance with Florida law.
• 2. Post warning signs that a child is likely to understand. A sign alone does not protect a land owner from liability, since a child may not understand a written warning.
• 3. Remove rafts, inflatable toys, and other objects from a pool or hot tub.
• 4. Fence in or secure yard machinery, a lawn mower, or other yard equipment.
• 5. Clear out or fence in excess junk, clutter, or wires from the yard.
• 6. Secure, fence, or lock up unguarded vacant buildings or structures.
• 7. Clean up and secure constructions materials, tools, and equipment when building or renovating a house or other construction site.
• 8. Protect children from piles of wood, lumber, and construction materials.
• 9. Properly dispose of refrigerators, iceboxes, washing machines, dryers, and other airtight household appliances. If you store such an appliance in the yard, remove the doors.
• 10. Supervise Children. Child safety begins with proper supervision to avoid accidents.

41 Fla. Jur 2d Premises Liability §§ 66-77.

For more information:

What is the Attractive Nuisance Doctrine? Gainesville Accident Attorney Answers.

Gainesville Accident Attorney Gives Examples of Attractive Nuisance in Florida.