Often a families favorite time of the year, summer might have looked a bit different than in years past. And while you are looking to protect yourself, your family and others by staying home, that doesn’t mean you can’t still have some fun.
Families have gotten creative in order to give their kids the fun summer they deserve while sheltering in place; from creating a mini beach in their backyard to a virtual reality roller coaster in the living room. But in addition to keeping their kids entertained, many parents have had to take another look at their home to make sure it’s safe enough for their kids through the hottest months of the year. And it turns out, there are a lot of hidden dangers parents should take care of before letting their kids run loose.
Below, the team at Hippo takes a deep dive into how to properly maintain your home for your family's safety as well as expert tips for preventing accidents when participating in popular summer activities.
Keeping Your Home Running Smoothly
Keeping up with your home is just as important as keeping up with your kids, especially during the summer when your home’s appliances are getting used more frequently than normal. This wear and tear is also known as home strain, and can take a big hit on the functionality of these devices (as well as your wallet), if not properly prepared for.
Luckily, home maintenance doesn’t have to be difficult. By dedicating a few hours each week to cleaning and upgrading your home you can rest assured that your home will be able to handle whatever the summer throws at it. Below are some home maintenance and upgrade tips that can help make your home summer-proof:
Upgrade your sun shades to lower your electricity bill.
Check your windows and doors for leaks, resealing caulk if needed.
Keep up with weekly yard maintenance, trimming any tree limbs that get too close to the house.
Give your home insurance policy another look, and consider adding flood protection if you don’t have it already.
Call a pest control company to service your home and yard at least once a summer.
Schedule a termite and HVAC inspection to stop infestations and catch issues early on.
Before letting the kids out to play, do a sweep of your backyard for any potential issues such as cleaning or yard equipment or holes in the fence.
Summer Fun and Safety
When you think of summer, you might think of hot days spent by the pool or nights spent roasting marshmallows over the fire. And luckily, both of these activities can be done at home, meaning the summer fun doesn’t have to stop just because most places are closed. But with these fun activities comes some potential dangers you need to watch out for.
When grilling out or starting a fire, take a look at your surroundings before igniting a flame. A fire should be lit at least 10 feet away from any structure (including your home, a shed, or even your fence) or other flammable materials. It’s also a good idea to make sure you are starting a fire under a hanging tree limb, so that if you fire grows throughout the night, there isn’t a risk of starting a wildfire. For kids and pets, you’ll want to keep them at least three feet from the fire at all times.
Pool time is another must for families during the summer, with many taking advantage of their backyard pools or buying inflatable versions to keep cool. No matter which option your family is choosing to use this summer, supervising your kids when they are near the water is crucial. If they don’t know already, taking time to teach your children how to swim can help prevent any accidents from occurring when you aren’t looking. You should also drain your pool (or install a gate around in-ground pools) when they aren’t in use, to prevent anyone from accessing the pool without your permission.
It’s also a good idea to prep your home in case of an emergency. You should keep a flotation device, first aid kit and scissors nearby to help your kids should they get hurt or tangled in their clothing. Getting all adults (and teens) in the house CPR certified is a good idea too, and can be done online from the comfort of your home.
No matter what you have planned for the final months of summer, your family's safety should be the number one priority. And thanks to the above tips, it doesn’t take much work to make sure that your home is properly equipped to fit your needs. Interested in more information on how to keep your home (and family) prepared for the seasons ahead? Head over to Hippo’s blog to learn more.
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