Ahhh, springtime on the farm. Open fields, fresh air, peaceful winds, flowers ... what's not to love?

Children living in rural areas, such as Yakima, are at a greater risk of unintentional injury than city kids.

According to Safe Kids USA, each year in the United States, it is estimated that 70 children 14 and younger die from injuries occurring on a farm; in 2001, nearly 16,000 were injured. Accidents with farm machinery and drowning account for most farm-related child fatalities. Safe Kids Worldwide recommends that children under 16 never drive ATVs or tractors, and that no one rides as a passenger on a tractor or lawnmower.

Tractors and machinery

As fascinating as brightly colored tractors can be, they also carry the potential of serious injury or death. To make sure your farm stays are safe, keep the following in mind:

* Eliminating extra riders on tractors, mowers and minibikes is a safety measure to reduce childhood unintentional injury or death.

* Avoid letting kids play on or near farm equipment.

* Turn off power equipment and motors when kids are nearby, and make sure safety shields are properly attached.

* Never let a child ride in the bed of a pickup truck.

Chemicals

Nonchemical control methods are available to reduce or eliminate pest problems, but most farmers still use pesticides. Even if the farm you're visiting doesn't use them, the drift from neighboring areas can be significant. Keep in mind:

* Fruit and vegetables should always be washed before consuming.

* Playing in areas treated with pesticides can contaminate clothing and skin, so wash well.

* After playing outdoors, always wash before eating.

If you use pesticides:

* Always read the label first and follow directions.

* Keep pesticides locked up and out of reach of children.

* When applying pesticides, remove children and their toys, as well as pets, from the area.

* Keep children and pets away from an area that has been treated with pesticides until the pesticide has dried or as long as is recommended on the label.

* Keep pesticides in their original containers.

* Never place rodent or insect baits where small children or pets can get to them.

* Avoid spraying on windy days.

Water

Although irrigation canals and ponds may look like fun, it's important to remember that it only takes a very small amount of water to cause a drowning. If you live near an open canal or pond, install a fence and include other layers of protection, such as self-closing and self-latching gates. Teach children that as refreshing as canals may appear on a hot day, they need to stay out of them -- always! Kids should also be supervised near ditches, ponds and other bodies of water, no matter how shallow they appear to be.

On the road again

Since farm equipment is often involved in accidents along highways and country roads, as drivers we need to keep an eye out for them. If it is necessary to walk along rural roads not marked for pedestrians, teach kids to walk on the shoulder of the road facing oncoming traffic (the left side) and to walk in a single file wearing retro-reflective decals.

Giddy-up

For many, a trip to the farm isn't complete without a pony ride, petting baby lambs and cuddling fluffy chicks. Keep in mind each activity carries with it some danger.

Head injuries are the most common injuries that occur while riding a horse, so kids of all ages should always wear equestrian helmets. These helmets are different from bicycle helmets. Equestrian helmets should also be ASTM/SEI certified and fit properly. Kids should ride only with adult supervision on horses with child-friendly temperaments.

As sweet and cuddly as baby chicks are, they can also carry bacteria capable of making people sick. Cuddle to your heart's desire, but always be sure to wash well -- with soap -- afterwards and before eating.

* Alicia Ullom is the director of Community Education at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital and a member of Safe Kids Yakima County.