Summer is the ideal time for road trips, pool days, bonfires, and picnics. Unfortunately, it is also a time when household property crimes are at their highest and outdoor accidents tend to increase. We’ve researched specific areas where risk is at its highest in order to help you stay prepared and safe throughout the summer months.
Grilling and Fire Protection
In the summer, we love being outside grilling and having evening bonfires. No matter how much grilling or fire-tending experience you may have, remember that fire is dangerous when handled carelessly. Follow these tips to practice proper fire safety:
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Never Leave a Fire Unattended: Remaining near the fire helps keep it under control and prevents potential harm or injuries to children and pets.
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Keep Your Fire at Least 10 Feet Away From Flammable Materials: Distancing the fire from flammable materials reduces the possibility of the fire spreading. This includes overhanging trees.
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Extinguish the Fire Before Calling it a Night: While it is tempting to just let the fire burn out, it is best, and safest, to use water to put it out before going inside.
Pool Safety
Pools and water features present a constant risk, especially for children. Here are some ways to ensure that you and your family are safe when you’re near or around water:
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Teach Your Children How to Swim: You can enroll them in lessons or teach them yourself.
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Always Have Life Jackets or Flotation Devices Nearby: Having these ensure that you’re always prepared in case of an accident or emergency.
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Keep Your Pool Covered When Not in Use: Doing this prevents anyone from falling in.
Heat Safety
Being in the sun for too long without properly cooling off can lead to illness. It is important to take precautions and prepare for hot days. Here are some ways you can do that:
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Stay Hydrated: Drink non-alcoholic and decaffeinated fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty. You should also consider replacing lost salt by drinking fruit juice, sports drinks, or electrolytes.
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Dress Light: Wear loose, lightweight clothing.
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Find Time to Cool Down: Spend time in air-conditioning and the shade to cool your body down.
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Wear Sunscreen: Protect yourself against sunburns by wearing sunscreen and avoiding the outdoors during the hottest part of the day: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Home Security
Summertime is unfortunately a time when theft is at its highest. While many different factors play into this increase, the primary reason is a lack of quality security. Before leaving town for your summer vacation, consider taking the following security measures:
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Install a Smart Home Security System: This will give you real-time control and monitoring of your home right from your phone, no matter where you’re vacationing.
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Purchase Security Cameras: Security cameras allow you to view your home whenever you want to. They also deter potential intruders.
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Use Geofencing: Geofencing is a smart technology that allows you to control different systems in your home. It can be used to make it appear that you are home by automatically turning on lights, the sprinkler system, and varying appliances. You can control it right from your phone.
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Find a House Sitter: Ask a neighbor, friend, or family member to watch your home while you’re out of town. You can ask them to pick up your mail and any deliveries that might pile up and make it obvious that you are not home.
After implementing these summer safety tips in your own life, share them with your friends and family to help them stay safe too.
If you are interested in home customization, call Paul Gray Homes at 316-990-0000 to speak to an expert and get started!