Picture this: the grill is fired up, pools are filled with floats, and you and your family are lounging in the backyard as the lazy, hazy days of summer pass you by. All that fun can come to a screeching halt if you don’t take the proper precautions to protect your family, your valuables, and yourself.
With all the fun that your backyard can hold, there are also plenty of dangers lurking. To make sure you can live more and worry less this summer, here are a few tips on how to prevent backyard accidents.
Social Distancing
We know this season is a little different than summers before. That’s why we want to remind you of some proper social distancing rules to keep you and your family safe.
Don’t host gatherings with more than 10 people, per state guidelines.
Stay 6 feet away from each other.
Don’t shake hands or give hugs, per state guidelines.
The state of Massachusetts is also encouraging people to stay at home, which means families will be enjoying their backyards a lot more this summer. If you are planning to make a few updates — such as adding a pool, trampoline, or playset — be sure to call your local Cushman agent to update your insurance policy.
Grill Safety
Between 2013 and 2017, 19,000 people required medical attention due to grill related injuries. Make sure to warn kids and adults when you’re lighting the grill, cooking on the grill, and when the grill is cooling down.
It’s also important to make sure your grill is in proper working condition. Gas grills are involved in an average of 8,900 home fires per year, including 3,900 structure fires and 4,900 outdoor fires annually. We recommend making sure you keep your grills away from all structures, including trees, walls, and deck railings, as well as making sure you clean your grill regularly.
Pool Safety
While pools can be a lot of fun, they can also be dangerous if you are not following proper safety protocols. Unfortunately, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional death in children and it goes without saying that all adults near a pool should be vigilant of children near the water. Ways to prevent drowning are:
Make sure children using a pool know how to swim. Research has shown that swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning among children.
Invest in a fence around your pool. A fence separating the pool from the house or yard reduces a child’s risk of drowning by 83%.
Make sure adults drinking alcohol by the pool are drinking responsibility. Among adolescents and adults, alcohol use is involved in up to 70% of drowning deaths as alcohol can affect balance, coordination, and judgment.
Heat Safety Tips
Summer temperatures can pose a health risk if proper precautions are not taken. Our recommendation to prevent overheating is to remember to stay hydrated throughout the day. When the temperature is over 90 degrees, we also recommend avoiding strenuous activities.
When your town is under extreme heat warnings, Cushman recommends your family:
Wears light clothing when leaving the house
Install working air conditioners to keep the home cool
Drink plenty of fluids
Never leave people or pets in a closed car
Cover all windows with shades and drapes, and remember to use weather-strips in doors and windows
There’s something wonderful about unwinding in your own private oasis. By taking a few simple precautions, Cushman Insurance knows you can stay safe all summer long. If you have more questions about how to protect your home and loved ones, a Cushman Insurance Group agent is here to help. Contact your Cushman Insurance agent today via our website or by calling (508) 586-5310 to make sure you’re covered this summer.
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