Harsh weather like storms can wreak havoc upon an area, and facilities like playgrounds are forced to endure them amongst other weather conditions throughout the year. If you intend to get the most out of your playground equipment, you should consider these tips for properly inspecting a playground after a storm as well as ways to minimize damage.

Assess the Equipment

The first step is the most obvious—removing debris from the playground. However, when you’re taking a look at the equipment itself, you want to check for damages that could potentially present a hazard to kids. For example, the chains of a swing set may weaken and break when weight is applied. Broken pieces of metal or plastic may create sharp edges or create vulnerabilities that could later lead to rust. Addressing these issues quickly will prevent the problems from becoming worse and thus reduce the cost of repairs and extend the lifespan of the equipment.

Resurfacing the Playground

Pay attention to the surfacing of the playground, especially if the surfacing is loose fill. High winds or flooding could displace the material, and you will need to refill it. If your surfacing is unitary rubber, then you may need to get your hands on a rubber surface repair kit to fill in missing chunks or worn-out spots. This will be one of the best tips for properly inspecting a playground after a storm because surfacing is a necessity for reducing injuries when kids fall—and falls will always be the most common source of injuries on the playground.

Portable Equipment Replacements

Should you need to replace equipment after something becomes damaged or destroyed after a storm—rather than just getting the same thing and risking a repeat process—you should instead invest in portable equipment you can move indoors. For example, it’s easy to find a portable gaga ball pit kit for sale that is easy to set up and convenient to store at the end of the day. They’re versatile and can be used for a variety of activities while also being easier to repair should something like a storm damage it.