Summertime Home Safety Tips

Posted by Ben Thompson on 05.23.22

What’s not to love about the summertime? Enjoying family gatherings, backyard barbecues, days relaxing by the pool, and taking off for vacation are just a few of the highlights. It’s important to keep in mind that the hotter temperatures and outdoor summer activities we love can present safety concerns.  We’ve gathered some tips to help ensure that these activities are a bit safer for you and your family.

  1. Check all of your interior safety devices. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries if needed. You should upgrade any device that is over 10 years old just to be safe.  Also, make sure that you have a working fire extinguisher in your kitchen.
  2. Remove weeds, leaves and other fallen debris from your yard. In extreme heat, these items can be become a fire hazard.
  3. Cover your swimming pool when not in use.Install or secure safety fences that are at least 4 feet tall if you have little ones.  For added security, consider installing a pool alarm to alert you when someone enters the pool.
  4. Water your lawns early in the morning. This is the best time because the air is cool. Do not water during the heat of the day, as the water will simply evaporate. Watering in the evening is not wise either as water can sit, which promotes fungus growth.
  5. Ensure that your grill is 10 feet away from your house, cleaned regularly, and if a gas grill, checked for leaks. Keep a fire extinguisher and spray bottle of water close by just in case.
  6. Pets should not be kept outside in the summer heat and that includes being left in the car while doing errands. For pets that like short outdoor visits, be sure that they have a shady spot to relax and a bowl of cold water available. 
  7. Protect your home while on vacation. Install motion sensor exterior lighting devices and utilize timers on interior lights. Be sure to ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your house and give them your contact information.  For longer trips, ask a friend to stop by and check your home a few times and stop your mail delivery.  It’s also a good idea to continue your lawn services while away so it’s not as obvious that you aren’t home.

 

 

Topics: Featured, Safety Tips, summer home maintenance, thompson remodeling grand rapids, Thompson Remodling