feet in summer pool

We’re coming up on another summer season here in New England and want to take a moment to talk about the importance of safety first this season. It’s the only way to ensure it’s an enjoyable season for you and your family.

Once the kids are out of school and we’re all spending more time outdoors and taking trips, there’s an increased chance or an accident or other emergency occurring. You’ll want to be prepared for when these occur in advance and take precautions to prevent them altogether.

Here is our top list of safety reminders to take into account as we move into the 2019 summer season.

Grilling Fire & Safety Hazards

Whether you’re using charcoal or propane to grill your food outdoors, it’s important to follow safety precautions at all times. When using these cooking devices, pay attention to the location. Fire can easily spread to a house’s siding or worse if you’re under a covered porch area the dangers are even bigger. Always allow enough space between and above so that there are no fire hazards. If you’re using a grill out in a public park, don’t set-up the table and eating area or the supplies you’re using close by the fire. Only a responsible adult who knows how to properly use the grill should be manning it for the day.

The extreme temperatures around a grill can create burn risks for anyone- especially if there are young children running around. Always pay attention to the surroundings and be sure to keep them far away from the grill.

Once you’re done for the day, it’s critical that you turn off the grill and put out any fires properly. Disposal of used charcoal in a closed container and away from the home is also important.

24/7 Pool Monitoring is Essential

While you might not want to spend the time putting on and taking off a pool cover every time you use it, this step could stop unwanted or inexperienced from entering your pool and having a fatal drowning accident. As much as pools are a fun addition to the home, the reality is that they are very dangerous to have in your backyard. Keeping the pool safely monitored and secured from accidental access is a must.

Regulations requiring self-latching fence locks and even adding an alarm that sends out an alert when accesses to the area of the pool is breached can all help you to stop unwanted accidents.

In Connecticut, fences are required to be at least 4ft tall and railings should not allow anything with a diameter of more than 4 inches to pass through them. Lattice and chain link fence styles also have minimum requirements. Be sure to check with your insurance agent for additional requirements and follow all specifications as they are there to protect you and others.

If you’re planning on attending events at other’s pools or taking trips to the beach, safety rules should be in place. No diving in shallow ends, no running around the pool and using proper flotation devices if you’re not an experienced swimmer are critical to protecting you and ensuring you enjoy your dip in the water.

Have a Solid Plan for Summer Travel

Most families like to plan their vacations around the summer months. It’s typically nice weather, the kids are off from school and coordinating schedules is a little easier. To truly enjoy this summer’s travel plans be sure to take inventory early. Pack wisely, schedule all hotel and flights and alert only neighbors or someone close to you that you’ll be away.

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is broadcasting the days they’ll be away from their homes on a trip to social media and other public places. This is an open invitation for theft. Instead, limit what you put out there about your whereabouts and have someone you trust to take in your mail or packages and do a walk around of the property to ensure nothing occurred while you were away. Investing in surveillance cameras is also a great option today especially as more affordable options are available on the market.

If you do anything this summer, take the time to truly enjoy it. Have peace of mind that you’re covered and insured through it all. Talk to an agent at Petruzelo Insurance today!