September 25th, 2017
How to Inspect a Storm Damaged Playground for Safety
Hurricanes Harvey and Irma were devastating storms, causing massive amounts of property damage. Unfortunately for active kids, playgrounds were not spared from floodwaters and damaging winds. Any storm damaged playground needs to be carefully assessed to ensure it is safe before children return to play. Temporarily closing the space to ensure it is in excellent condition will keep everyone safe.
By thoroughly inspecting affected playgrounds, repairs can be made quickly and effectively, allowing children to play safely once more.
Here are some essential tips for inspecting playground equipment that may have been damaged by recent storms.
Inspecting Ground Cover
Start by removing any hazards like branches, broken glass, or debris that may have blown of washing in during the storm. Not all damage is immediately visible, so a careful sweep of the area is essential before any cleanup begins.
Once the ground has been cleared, rinse any man made safety surfacing to remove saltwater, dangerous chemicals, or bacteria that may have collected while the surface was submerged. Floodwaters often carry sewage, pesticides, and oil residue, making thorough sanitation a priority. If you have bonded rubber (also known as pour in place rubber) as safety surfacing, avoid using a pressure washer, which could lead to further damage.
If your storm-damaged playground includes turf or pour in place surfacing, closely examine the safety surface for any rips or tears. These will need to be repaired quickly to prevent further deterioration or injury during use.
Check synthetic turf for signs of bubbling or wrinkling. If the turf appears uneven or has shifted, call the company that installed it. This could indicate that the underlying base was compromised during flooding and may require repair or complete replacement.
For playgrounds with wood mulch, check the depth of the material. Loose fill materials frequently float away during flooding situations, so there's a high likelihood it will need to be replenished. Proper depth is critical for fall protection and overall safety.
Inspecting Equipment
The structural integrity of equipment is just as important as ground conditions. Begin with the base:
- Check the footing of all playground equipment for erosion. If erosion is visible and significant, the structure may be unsafe for children. In this case, close the playground and contact the manufacturer as soon as possible to discuss repair or replacement. Pay special attention to any leaning posts or exposed anchors, these are clear signs that the equipment may not be secure.
- Inspect all roto-molded plastic components like slides, climbers, and panels. Floodwater can collect inside these sealed areas, which may not drain on their own. Drain any standing water by drilling a small hole into the underside of the affected part (preferably in an inconspicuous or unused area) to prevent mold, mildew, or structural breakdown. If the part shows visible warping or discoloration, it may have sustained internal damaged and should be evaluated for replacement.
- Examine all nuts, bolts, and moving parts of the equipment. Check for broken, missing, or loosened pieces. Clean out any components clogged with silt, sand, or debris using water and a soft brush. Then lubricate any moving parts that feel stiff or squeaky. Look for rush or corrosion, especially on moving joints or metal attachments, which may have accelerated due to salt water exposure.
- Use a pressure washer to clean all equipment. Storm damaged playground equipment is likely to be contaminated by floodwaters, which often contain hazardous materials. Saltwater from hurricanes is especially corrosive and can accelerate the breakdown of metal components. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and allow everything to dry before use. After washing, follow up with a disinfectant to remove lingering bacteria, especially if children will be returning to the playground soon.
Additional Safety Measures After a Storm
Beyond physical repairs, there are a few more considerations that help ensure your storm damaged playground is safe and welcoming again:
- Check signage: Make sure any safety signs, age recommendations, and rules are still visible and intact. If signs were lost or damaged during the storm, replace them promptly.
- Revisit inspection schedules: After a major weather event, it's wise to adjust your maintenance and inspection schedule for the following months. Equipment may have been weakened in ways that aren't immediately apparent, so more frequent checks can catch issues early.
- Document everything: Take photos of the damage before and after repairs. This documentation is useful not just for insurance claims, but also for tracking the condition of your equipment over time.
- Engage your community: Sometimes, the cleanup and repair process can be a meaningful way to bring people together. Involve parents, teachers, or church members to help with safe cleanup efforts, especially when children are eager to return.
Restoring Safety and Community Through Play
A thorough inspection of storm damage is the first step toward restoring a safe and functional play space for the kids in your organization or community. Whether your playground serves a school, church, daycare, or public park, a quick and safe reopening can be a symbol or resilience and hope after the trauma of a storm.
In many communities, restoring a storm damaged playground quickly may be exactly what children, and their families,
need most. Familiar places and play routines can bring comfort and stability, even when so much else has changed. Storms may damage property, but they can't take away the joy of play when communities work together to rebuild.
Securing Funding for Repairs to a Storm Damaged Playground
Once you have assessed the damage, the next step is figuring out how to pay for repairs. Check if your storm damaged playground is covered under insurance or qualifies for assistance through FEMA or state-level disaster recovery programs. Many communities also raise funds through local nonprofits or grant programs designed to support parks and recreation. If your organization is part of a school, church, or city program, explore budget reallocations or emergency funds. Addressing funding early helps avoid delays and gets kids back to play as soon as possible.
Need Help Restoring a Storm Damaged Playground?
At Noah's Park & Playgrounds, we understand how vital safe, quality play areas are for children, especially after a natural disaster. Contact us for expert guidance, high-quality replacement parts, and professional support in rebuilding your playground with durability and safety in mind.