Hot Tips for a Safe Summer at Home

modern brick home with backyard pool

School is out, and the best time of year is finally here! While summer brings the opportunity to have fun in the sun from the comfort of your own backyard, it’s important to acknowledge that risks and dangers exist everywhere—even in your considered safe space. Read on to learn more about summer safety and get six home safety tips for summer so you can safely enjoy everything this cherished season has to offer.

Why is Summer Safety Important?

While summer is full of fun, it's vital to be aware of the many inherent risks that come from summertime products, events, and activities. In fact, SafeHome.Com reported that over one million children went to ERs last June through August from summertime products, accidents, and injuries. Unfortunately, in the summertime months, people are more likely to experience serious risks and dangers, such as:

Food poisoning
Drowning
Car accidents
Allergy attacks
Sunburn and sun poisoning
Heat stress and heat strokes
Travel-related sicknesses and stress

6 Summer Safety Tips

Protect yourself, your home, and your family this summer. Here are six tried-and-true home tips for a safe summer:

1. Properly Secure the Pool & Spa

aerial view of pool, orange flipflops, and colorful beach ball

The pool is a summer essential, but it can be dangerous if not properly secured. Make sure to do the following to increase pool maintenance and safety:

Install a fence or safety gate with a lock around the pool to prevent unsupervised children from entering.
When not in use, secure the pool properly with a cover or net.
Install non-slip surfaces and a pool alarm as an extra security measure.
Confirm safety devices are easily accessible like life preservers, pool noodles, floaties, etc.
Constantly observe pool chemical levels.

2. Inspect the Grill Before Use

Ready to break out the grill for BBQs and outdoor gatherings? We know that we are. Before you fire it up, keep your gas or charcoal grill in tip-top shape by:

Ensuring the grill is a safe distance from your home and foliage that can ignite and burn, like trees and bushes.
Double-checking for hose leaks if using a gas grill.
Thoroughly cleaning the grill of debris and food from the previous use.
Storing a fire extinguisher and other tools nearby.

Read more: need summer grilling inspo? Look no further. Check out foods that taste glorious when grilled.

3. Double-Check Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Neglecting smoke and carbon monoxide detector upkeep can have serious consequences. Complete these to-dos on your in-home detectors to protect your family:

Confirm batteries are still working correctly.
Check for any physical damage, paint, or dirt and/or debris.
Perform tests on each device using the factory instructions.

4. Stock Up on the Necessities

aerial photo of red first aid kit and supplies on a blue background

Accidents happen, and it’s crucial to be prepared. Replenish any items that may be missing in your first aid kit like:

Various bandage sizes
Gloves
Compress dressings and cloth tape
Antiseptic wipes or alcohol pads
Basic medications
Instant cold compresses
Hydrocortisone cream or ointment
Antibiotic ointment
Gauze
Thermometers
Tweezers

Read more: don't forget to keep your furry friends safe, too! Here are our top pet summer safety tips.

5. Complete Seasonal Home Maintenance Tasks

Staying on top of necessary summer home maintenance is a key component of safety. Summertime home maintenance tasks to tackle include:

Inspecting your roof
Repairing and replacing gutters and soffits
Patching driveways and sidewalks
Assessing the sprinkler system
Checking your air conditioning unit
Refreshing summer landscaping

6. Make Efforts to Control Pests

Summertime pests, like ants, ticks, and mosquitos, can put a damper on outdoor activities. You can hire a professional to spray for bugs, but keeping your house clean, removing standing water, and sealing up interior and exterior openings are small things you can do that can make a big difference when it comes to unwelcome guests. Things you can do to keep bugs at bay without the spray include:

Planting smelly plants (lavender, citronella grass, marigolds)
Planting herbs (basil, rosemary, mint, lemongrass)
Using outdoor fans
Stashing dryer sheets in your pockets
Putting out bowls of vinegar
Serving pungent foods (garlic, onions, lemon, oranges, grapefruit, tomatoes)

Have a Safe Summer!

family and children playing tug of war outside

While it isn’t always a blast, prioritizing these summer safety tips sets you up for even more fun in the sun. Check out our “Summer Family Bucket List” for 30 creative ways to beat boredom and make lasting memories this season.