Useful Backyard Safety Tips
As many families and friends gather to enjoy the warm weather, it’s important to heed these useful backyard safety tips. Whether your outdoor space is outfitted with patio furniture, playground equipment, or a grill, there are potential hazards that could quickly turn your fun in the sun into a harmful situation.
Knowing the risks and taking proactive steps to keep you and your family safe could also go a long way in safeguarding your financial health. At Doeren Mayhew Insurance Group, we specialize in delivering customized insurance solutions that ensure peace of mind while minimizing liability risk. Our personal insurance offerings protect your most valuable assets that may include your home, car, or other personal items.
We understand the complexities of the insurance landscape and offer guidance in securing adequate coverage for your unique needs. Read below to learn more about how you can safely enjoy your backyard all year long.
Grill Tips
There’s nothing like a barbeque at home to bring the family together. However, everything from the lighter fluid and matches, to propane and sharp utensils could lead to disaster. Be sure to keep these and other potentially dangerous items out of children’s reach. Position your grill at least 10 feet from your house or flammable items, and never leave it unattended. Check gas grills for holes, blockages, or leaks before use, and clean it regularly to help avoid grease buildup which can lead to fires.
Backyard Playset Safety
Minimize the risk of injury by always considering important safety features of outdoor playsets, including solid beam construction and sturdy hardware. Always place playground equipment on level ground and ensure soft landing areas with enough clearance for children to jump off or dismount. Children should always be supervised and taught how to play in the backyard safely.
Home Swimming Pool Safety
While a backyard pool provides hours of fun, there also are a number of risks. Home swimming pool use should always be supervised by an adult to prevent accidental drownings and injuries. Building a gate or fence with secure locks around the pool can provide additional security against accidents. Install anti-entrapment drain covers and ensure there are enough swim vests and life jackets for all swimmers.
Avoid Bugs & Pesticides
Use non-chemical products to manage pest problems, if possible. Bug repellants, citronella candles, and regular tick checks can help prevent bug bites, allergic reactions, and serious diseases — such as Lyme disease — that mosquitoes and ticks carry. Also remember to protect your household pets! Always keep pesticides away from children and animals to avoid injury.
Burglar-Proof Your Backyard
Your backyard is an extension of your home and may include expensive equipment that’s worth protecting. Consider chaining up your grills, patio furniture, or tools to fixed posts, or enhancing your home security with outdoor cameras and motion-sensors. Prevent intruders from accessing your outdoor space by installing a privacy fence with a reliable locking mechanism, and placing signs with the name of your security company in visible areas.
Whether you spend a lot of time in your backyard or only when you have company, it’s important to protect your valued items and reduce liability risk. While these safety tips will help to protect you from many liabilities, insurance coverage is there to serve as a safety net when things don’t go as planned. Contact one of our trusted insurance brokers to learn more about our comprehensive coverage solutions or to schedule your personalized consultation today.