For the safety of your family and for the sake of your homeowner’s insurance rates, it is important to understand that summertime can bring with it a set of dangers.
As the mercury begins to rise, so do the chances of outdoor accidents and injuries. Therefore, if you want to reduce the chances of accident or injury and you want to reduce the risk of loss to your home, then it is vital that you take a moment or two to examine your home this summer, before the first barbecue begins:
- Deck safety – Check the overall safety and stability of the deck; if it is more than a few years old, consider bringing a deck contractor over to examine the deck for safety. In addition, check for any loose or protruding boards, any protruding nails and wobbly or loose railings.
- Swimming pool safety – Safety should be your first concern when dealing with your swimming pool. In particular, it is important to make sure all safety equipment with your swimming pool is in working order. Make sure the gates and fencing is secured; that any electronic pool safety equipment is in working order; and that all locks are working.
- Window safety – Warmer weather often means open windows, so it is important to make sure that locks are in good working order and that the screens are free of holes and fit snugly in the window opening. If you have small children, install window locks to prevent falls. Remember that screens alone cannot prevent falls from windows, so invest in good window locks if you have small children.
- Swing set safety – Is your swing set and recreational equipment in good working order? Check for rusty or loose bolts and make sure that there is sufficient padding underfoot.
- Walkway, driveway and patio safety - Make sure that all concrete, brick and flagstone patios, driveways and walkways are free of obstructions that could cause trip-and-fall accidents. Repair any cracks, holes or other areas that could cause problems and remove any debris or other items that could create hazards.
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