Warm summer weather may seem far away right now; however, spring is fast approaching, and it is time to start thinking about heading outdoors. It is never too late to start home maintenance to keep you and your family safe. Here are a few safety tips you will want to be sure are in place.

Outdoor Safety

Outdoor maintenance is more than having the greenest lawn on the block. It is one of the first steps in protecting your home from damage and accidents. As a landowner, you have an obligation to protect anyone coming onto your property from getting injured and to protect your home from any damages.

The next time you are outside, you should consider the following:

• Ensure trees and landscaping are not touching the home
• Clean up any tripping hazards
• Keep any chemicals, pesticides, or fertilizers in a secured location
• Inspect walkways for cracks or unlevel surfaces
• Scout out and remove toxic plants
• Install and/or maintain outdoor lighting
• Protect against harmful bugs, rodents, and animals

Home Safety

Outdoor safety does not end in the yard. It also continues to the outside of your home. Keeping up on your home maintenance will help lessen unexpected repairs and will help catch issues before they become a problem.

Consider the following:

• Inspect siding for chipped paint, cracks, holes, or missing pieces
• Inspect the roof for any damages or debris
• Clean gutters, downspouts and exterior vents
• Ensure steps to your home are level and have a handrail
• It is also just as important to include safety precautions inside the home. Some major home claims involve water damage, fire, and theft. Consider the following:
• Have a professional clean and inspect your chimney
• Test your fire and carbon monoxide alarm batteries
• Inspect the furnace and water heater
• Install water alarms near drains and plumbing
• Check appliances for excess dust or lint (including your dryer connections)
• Keep doors and windows locked and secured
• Inspect plumbing, faucets, and drains for leaks

Outdoor Fun Safety

With summer quickly approaching as well, it is a good time to start thinking about something else we all enjoy when the sun comes out—outdoor fun. Who doesn’t love jumping in the pool after a hot summer day or grilling out for dinner? You would not want the perfect summer day to end badly.

Consider the following:

• Install a fence with a locking gate around a pool area
• Maintain surfaces around the pool to prevent slips and falls
• Supervise children in the yard or around a body of water
• Keep your grill away from your home
• Make sure any play equipment is maintained and inspected before use

At the end of the day, not all accidents and circumstances can be prevented. Following the above safety precautions can unquestionably help you and your family be prepared for the unexpected and help minimize risks at your home. If you have further questions or concerns, please feel free to connect with our Personal Lines team to discuss how to properly ensure you have a safe and enjoyable future for both your home and your family.

This article was featured in our latest issue of Risk & Business. Download a copy of the entire magazine here!