Summer is a season for barbecues, pool days, and family getaways. You can plan the best summer yet—and reduce the risks of costly surprises—by following these 10 quick tips to protect your home and family.
1. Grill Safely: Keep Flames Where They Belong
Backyard barbecues are a favorite summer tradition, but grills can cause fires fast if left unattended or placed too close to your home. Grills should be kept at least 10 feet away from structures and overhangs, and never leave a hot grill unattended.
Make sure to clean the grease buildup regularly to avoid flare-ups, especially if yours is the home people flock to for the best burgers on the block.
2. Fireworks: Celebrate with Caution
Fireworks are a leading cause of summer fires and injuries. Even if they’re legal in your area, they still pose significant risks and require caution.
Make it a special event by attending public displays whenever possible. Gather your friends and family for a special outing, rather than bring the risks on your own property.
If you can’t resist shooting off your own show in your backyard, be sure to follow all local regulations and light them in open areas away from dry grass or buildings.
And never allow children to handle fireworks—including sparklers.
3. Water Safety: Fun Meets Responsibility
There’s nothing like a long day poolside in the hot summer sun. Keep your pool a place of joy by installing fencing, alarms, and self-closing gates, and monitor all swimmers at all times, especially children.
You should also keep rescue equipment handy and ensure everyone knows basic water safety and CPR.
4. Vacation Home Vacancy: Don’t Leave Your Home Vulnerable
Before you head out the door for your trip, take the proper measures to make sure it isn’t vulnerable to break-ins.
Use timers for lights to create a lived-in look, pause mail and deliveries or ask a neighbor to collect them, ensure lawn service continues while you’re away, unplug unnecessary electronics to prevent electrical fires, and of course, check the locks on all doors and windows one last time before you pull away.
5. Heat Safety: Know the Signs and Stay Hydrated
Extreme summer temperatures are becoming more and more regular occurrences, and high heat can be dangerous to your health.
Drink plenty of water and avoid overexertion during peak heat hours, never leave pets or children in parked cars, and stop over to check in on elderly relatives or neighbors during extreme heat to make sure loved ones are holding up okay.
6. Storm Preparedness: Be Ready for Sudden Summer Weather
Summer storms can bring damage to your home and frightened little ones. You can reduce the risk to your home by trimming branches and securing outdoor furniture.
Keep flashlights, batteries, and emergency supplies on hand in case the electricity goes out, and review your insurance policy to make sure you're covered for weather-related damage.
7. Lawn Equipment and Yard Work: Safety First
Warm summer days relaxing come with their own side dish of yard work and landscaping. When mowing day comes, wear protective gear like goggles and gloves, store your tools and gas out of reach of children, and never leave running equipment unattended, no matter how quickly and easily it might seem to leap off the mower and fetch that stick from your path.
8. Sun and Bug Protection: Cover Up That Skin
We need time in the sun to get that Vitamin D, but all those rays come with some risks. Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply regularly, especially if you’re planning a long day outdoors.
Protect yourself from insects too; apply insect repellent in wooded or damp areas, and check yourself, your kids, and pets for ticks after time spent outside.
9. Playset and Trampolines: Check for Damage
Outdoor play equipment generates laughter and joy for your kids and their friends… and gets the kids out of the house. Before they play, set clear rules for use (like one jumper at a time), and make sure playsets and trampolines are well-maintained and securely anchored—especially if they’ve sat outside all winter.
10. Boating and Watercraft Safety: Life Jackets Save Lives
Whether you're headed to the lake or the coast, keep safety top of mind. Wear life jackets at all times, and take a boating safety course if you’re new to being on the water. You should also avoid alcohol while operating any watercraft.
Are You Covered for Summer Surprises?
The right insurance coverage can help you weather any season with confidence. Connect with your local, independent Wichert Insurance agent today to make a plan that’s tailored to your family’s needs, this summer and into the future.