Summer is just around the corner. That means birthday parties, family vacations and lots of chill time at home. Before the fun begins, take some time to review these home safety tips to keep your house and guests safe this summer.
Check Your Home Security:
Spending time outdoors or away from your home creates an opportunity for prowlers. Reinforce your home security measures by installing reliable locks on doors and windows, and consider investing in a home security system with cameras and motion sensors. Ensure that your security system is functioning optimally and remember to activate it whenever you leave home. Let a neighbor know if you go out of town to have an extra set of eyes on your property.
Practice Fire Safety:
Summer often involves outdoor grilling, bonfires, and fireworks, all of which pose fire risks. Take necessary precautions to prevent accidents by ensuring there’s a safe distance between flammable materials and open flames. Keep a fire extinguisher handy and ensure that all family members know how to operate it. Additionally, regularly check smoke detectors and replace batteries if needed.
Maintain Outdoor Spaces:
If you plan to host a summer BBQ a kid’s birthday party, you’ll likely want to spruce up your yard. Maintaining your outdoor spaces not only enhances their appearance but also promotes safety. Trim overgrown trees and shrubs to eliminate potential hiding spots for intruders. Inspect and repair any damaged pathways, decks, or fences to prevent accidents. Clear dry leaves, debris, and flammable materials from around your property to minimize fire hazards. Solar lighting along pathway is a great way to add a safety feature and some curb appeal at the same time.
Backyard Safety:
If you have a swimming pool, take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of both children and adults. If you have a trampoline or play structure, regularly inspect them for protruding screws, rust or broken ropes. Trampolines should have a net and pads and play structures should be installed over soft surfaces
Review Your Home Insurance:
Even if you follow all these summer safety tips, things can happen. A periodic review of your insurance coverage is important to ensure you understand your coverage and it’s up to date. Doing this will not only help protect you but give you peace of mind.
Holly Kilgore is an insurance agent with Country Financial ® in West Linn, Oregon, and mom of four kids. She can be reached at [email protected].
“COUNTRY Financial®” is the marketing name for the COUNTRY Financial family of affiliated companies (collectively, “COUNTRY”), which include COUNTRY Life Insurance Company®, COUNTRY Mutual Insurance Company®, and their respective subsidiaries, located in Bloomington, Illinois.