Issue 27.13
Summer is a busy time when most people are “on the go.” It’s also a prime time for drownings, grill fires and home burglaries. Keep yourself and your family safe this summer by following these tips.
Dive into poolside precaution
* Never let children into your pool without an adult present. Even teenagers who are strong swimmers should always have a companion. Never leave children alone in the pool area, even for just a few seconds to answer the phone or check the stove. Keep rescue equipment such as a shepherd’s hook or life preserver at poolside. Also bring a portable telephone along when people are in the water. Remove all toys from the pool after swimming so children aren’t tempted to reach for them and possibly fall in. Don’t allow tricycles or wagons at poolside. Prevent young children from climbing up into an above-ground pool, even when it’s covered, by securing, locking or removing the steps or ladder. Check the applicable laws and ordinances in your area regarding fencing requirements for pools. As an extra precaution, always lock the pool area when no adults are present.
Barbecue your food, not your home
* Put your grill at least 15 feet from any building, and grill only on a flat surface that can’t catch fire. Do not grill on an apartment building balcony or deck. Never use gasoline, alcohol or kerosene to start your coals. Once the coals are on fire, glowing or smoldering, don’t put on additional lighter fluid. When you’re done cooking, soak the coals with water and close the grill lid and any vents tightly. If you have a gas grill, close the valve on the gas cylinder. Don’t move the grill or remove the coals for 48 hours, unless you can safely move the coals into a stainless steel pail. Be sure you have homeowners or renter’s insurance.
Safeguard your home and possessions
* Do not leave windows or patio doors open when you’re away. Also, be sure to close and lock your garage doors. Keep trees and shrubs trimmed, especially near doors and windows. Secure patio doors with a lock. Be sure to notify your neighbors if you’ll be gone for an extended period. Arrange for neighbors or friends to pick up newspapers and mail. Leave some shades up or curtains partially open so that the house looks occupied. Consider putting timers on your lamps and leave a radio playing. Arrange to keep your lawn mowed and maintained. Maybe ask a neighbor to park his/her car in your driveway.
Each summer there comes a time when it’s just too hot to do anything outside your home. Knowing that heat wave is just around the corner means needing to know your air conditioning unit is going to work. Here are some tips from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in regard to keeping your home cool.
Beat the heat
* Make sure window air conditioning units are fit snugly in the space provided. Insulate any areas that may provide an opportunity for cool air to seep out. Install temporary window reflectors, such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to reflect heat away from the home. Don’t hesitate to cover windows receiving morning or afternoon sun with curtains, drapes, shades or awnings. Check on elderly, young and sick neighbors. Make sure they are hydrated and have a place to stay cool. Inspect air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation. That way all the cool air stays inside the walls of the home instead of leaking out elsewhere.
* For more information or a free no obligation review of your insurance needs visit with Orville or Sandi at 720 S River Rd Ste C 135 in St George or call at 435-688-8182.