Summer has arrived! It’s finally time to play in the pool, get on the grill, and maybe even plan a vacation! But with summer comes a few safety concerns that you’ll want to be mindful of and plan for, just in case. It’s always better to be prepared for the worst case scenario so you can have a safe and enjoyable summer. In addition to protecting yourself from the sun’s rays – get that SPF ready! – there are other safety tips to know; from pool maintenance and home repairs to fire protection and more, below is a short guide to prepare you for a long, relaxing summer season.

Summer Home Maintenance & Security
Before you get into the real swing of summer, it’s a good idea to go through your home and check for any necessary repairs or updates that may be needed. All it takes is one strong summer storm to cause structural or electrical damage to your home. This is a great time to:

• Reseal any cracking caulk or weatherstrips on external windows and doors to prevent any leaks.

• Schedule an inspection to catch termites before they cause major damage to your home’s structure.

• Ensure all locks/gates on your property are in working order.

• Trim any overhanging tree limbs and any overgrown shrubbery.

Home security is also important. According to Crimepreventiontips.com, most burglaries happen between the summer months of June and August. Plenty of people are on vacation making it easier for criminals to get away. However, there are plenty of great home security systems and devices on the market. From outdoor and indoor cameras to motion detection lighting, there are tons of affordable devices to put you and your family at ease. Many of these security systems also have mobile apps so you can control locks, lighting, and more with the click of a button– even from miles and miles away.

Fire Safety: Grilling & More
Grilling is one of the great joys of the summer season! Whether you’re new to the BBQ or a veteran grill master, it’s always good to be aware and informed of how to prevent and stop a fire. Be sure to keep anything highly flammable away from your grill – or fire pit, etc. and always have a fire extinguisher and first aid kit on-hand and nearby. 
Never assume a fire will fizzle out on its own and don’t leave a fire unattended. Be sure to keep little ones and four-legged friends safely away from the flames as well. 

Swim Safely: Pool Protection 
Taking a dip in the pool on a hot summer day is one of the best feelings! Of course, pools and hot tubs can pose hazards– especially if you have children or pets. (Even if you don’t have kiddos or pets, you may have guests at some point who do!) It’s crucial that there’s always supervision by the pool… even inflatable kiddie pools. If you have a pool, be sure to keep life jackets and other floatation devices on hand. It’s also recommended to become CPR-certified. 

Again, going back to home security, it’s a good idea to have cameras and gates installed around the pool area. And when the pool isn’t in use, be sure to keep it covered to prevent any falls. 

Summer is all about relaxation and fun – don’t spoil it with an easily preventable mishap! Taking the time to ensure your home is properly set up – for adults, children, and pets alike – is key for an enjoyable summer.