Most ground-level decks and porches are great places for kids to cut loose and enjoy high-energy play. Decks and porches are usually comfortable, flat, open spaces that are rugged enough to hold up to plenty of roughhousing.

But any deck, porch, or balcony above the first floor can't be considered safe for unsupervised child's play—no matter how secure you make its railings.

Making a safety check

Here's what to check and, as necessary, to improve to make your ground-floor deck or porch a safe, friendly play environment for children:

* Make sure that your railings circle the entire porch or deck play area, providing a sturdy barrier that children can't squeeze through, climb over, slide under, or get caught in.

* A porch or deck railing should be at least 36 inches high with no more than 2 3/8 inches between vertical members.

* To close gaps between rails, cut and staple 2 1/2-by-2-inch (or finer) vinyl-coated wire mesh to the railing. Make sure that all staples are firmly secured. With wire cutters, trim off any cut ends.

* For a more elegant—but more expensive—solution, you can attach clear panels of acrylic or styrene plastic. These materials are sold by home improvement stores, which will sometimes cut them to size for you.

* Check the floor of your deck or porch. Though it will mean hard work, it will also mean a much safer play area if you strip away any old chipped or peeling paint, which may be toxic. Also beware of preservative-treated wood, which could put a child in direct contact with toxic chemicals. Some can be painted over, but some don't take painting. Check with your lumber supplier for advice. Dispose of any scrap or sawdust from treated lumber in the trash or bury it, but do not burn it.

* Patch holes, repair loose boards, pound home loose or protruding nails, and sand away slivers. Check that floors are not unduly slippery when wet. Non-slip fiberglass surfacing or outdoor carpeting are great surfaces for decks and porches.

* Block stairs from small adventurers. It's simplest to use a safety gate securely fastened to sturdy posts, not simply pressure-mounted. If the entry opening is too wide, fence off part of the porch or deck area to keep your child away from the stairs.

* Safeguard electrical receptacles in the area by replacing them with ground fault circuit interrupters. Also block them with bulky furniture or locking outdoor receptacle covers. Block off or remove light fixtures that a child could reach. Keep electrical cords out of reach.

* Remove any potted plants, fertilizers, insecticides, or electrical bug-killing devices.

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