Summertime is all about relaxing and making memories with family and friends. Whether it’s hosting backyard barbecues, lounging by the pool, or gathering around a fire pit with friends, these moments can create lasting memories but also come with unique risks. From fire hazards to pool safety concerns, a few proactive steps can help you enjoy the season while keeping your property and loved ones protected.
Hurricanes and summer storms
The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins June 1. Hurricanes can bring high winds, heavy rain, storm surge, and flooding, which can cause significant damage to your property. It’s essential to prepare for hurricanes and summer storms before they even make landfall. Some things homeowners can do to prepare include:
- Developing an evacuation plan.
- Practice drills.
- Creating a communications plan.
- Gathering disaster supplies.
Power outages
Power outages are becoming increasingly common across parts of the United States due to a variety of factors, including droughts in the West, peak demand in other regions, and severe weather events. As our electric grids become strained from higher usage and extreme weather, such as storms, lightning strikes, and wildfire risks that damage power lines and transformers, outages are more likely to occur throughout the year. To prepare for a power outage:
- Plan an evacuation route and locate nearby shelters.
- Create an emergency kit with first-aid supplies, medications, cash, important documents, flashlights, non-perishable foods, and bottled water.
- Sign up for local alert systems and apps for text alerts.
- Purchase a gas-powered generator for outdoor use.
- Obtain outdoor cooking appliances, such as a gas grill or a solar oven.
- Keep electronic devices charged (phones, tablets, laptops).
Wildfires
Wildfires pose a serious threat to homes and communities across the United States every year. While some regions are hit especially hard, people across the country should be aware of the dangers and take steps to protect their properties. To better prepare for wildfires, experts recommend several key steps:
- Fortify your home by using fire-resistant roofing and siding materials, regularly cleaning gutters, and removing combustible debris.
- Create defensible space by clearing vegetation within 100 feet of your home and maintaining accessible driveways for emergency vehicles.
- Develop an emergency plan and supply kit.
- Ensure your home insurance is current.
- Keep an up-to-date inventory of your possessions with receipts, photos, or videos.
Grill safety
Grill and outdoor cooking fires pose a serious safety risk, frequently causing injuries and property damage, particularly during the warmer months when outdoor cooking is most popular. To reduce the likelihood of accidents, take essential precautions: clean the cooking grate, never leave the grill unattended, keep combustible materials away, and regularly check for gas leaks.
Before firing up your gas grill or putting a match to the charcoal, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends you:
- Do not use a grill indoors or in any enclosed area.
- Place grills on stable ground and keep them away from structures or deck railings.
- Never leave lit grills unattended.
- Make lit grills inaccessible to children and pets.
- Do not add starter fluid to a grill once it has been lit.
Swimming
Drowning is a serious safety risk, especially for young children. It is one of the leading causes of unintentional injury deaths among children in the United States. When spending time in and around the water, consider the following safety tips:
- Secure home pools with appropriate barriers, ideally a fence or barrier at least 4 feet high with a self-closing, self-latching gate.
- Maintain pool or hot tub water by ensuring it is clean and clear.
- Keep life rings, floats, reaching poles, and other lifesaving equipment in an easy-to-access area.
- Have flotation devices, particularly Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) or life vests, available for guests who are not experienced swimmers.
- Do not run near a pool and be extra cautious when deck surfaces are wet.
Firepits
As summer evenings invite us outdoors, fire safety is crucial when using a fire pit. Before setting up your fire pit, always check local regulations and make sure there are no active burn bans. Position the fire pit well away from structures and remove any flammable materials from the area. In addition:
- Always keep a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher within reach.
- Never leave the fire pit unattended while it is burning.
- Burn only dry, seasoned wood to minimize sparks and reduce smoke.
- Completely extinguish the fire and cool the ashes before leaving the area.
- Monitor weather conditions and keep your fire manageable.
By following these precautions, you can safely enjoy your fire pit while protecting your home and loved ones from preventable fire hazards.
Fireworks
Fireworks are beautiful to watch, but it’s safest to leave displays to the professionals. Fireworks can be extremely dangerous if not handled properly, leading to serious injuries and property damage. To avoid fireworks-related injuries, the NFPA recommends you:
- Attend professional fireworks displays instead of attempting to ignite them on your own.
- Use glow sticks instead of fireworks, as they are a safe alternative to sparklers.
- Use noise makers to make a statement, which can be found at local party supply stores.
We hope you find these summer safety tips helpful. Ensure your Mapfre home policy is always up to date by contacting an independent agent in your state. If you’re not insured with Mapfre yet and live in Massachusetts, you can get a fast, free quote online today!
