Summer Proof Your Home Insurance

Summer is finally here, and that means back yard pool parties, family barbecues and fireworks celebrations. It also means you are at increased risks to accidents and injuries stemming from these summertime festivities. You may think your homeowner’s insurance policy will protect you against any and all accidents, but if the incident that caused injury or damage was easily preventable, your insurance company may attempt to deny your claim.

Most homeowners would prefer to avoid any incident in the first place. For those with backyard pools, it’s always a good idea to fence the pool off or otherwise limit access. Never allow children to swim without adult supervision and no one should ever swim alone, no matter their age. Keep safety ropes, hooks, flotation devices and other safety equipment nearby the pool.

Summer is also the time for barbecues. However, according to the National Fire Protection Association, gas grills have been involved in an average of 7,100 home fires per year from 2006 – 2010, while charcoal or other solid-fuel grills were involved in an average of 1,200 home fires each year. To avoid grill mishaps: keep barbecue grills on a level surface away from the house, garage, landscaping and children. Wear a heavy apron and use a long-armed oven mitt to protect yourself. Let the coals cool completely before disposing of them in a metal container. Remember that grills remain hot long after you are through barbecuing.

Trampolines can be fun for kids, but according to a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimate, they were the cause of more than 83,000 injuries that resulted in emergency room visits in 2011 alone. Avoid being a statistic: Limit the number of jumpers to one at a time; supervision is needed for children at all times; establish and enforce rules before use; remove trampoline ladders after use to prevent unsupervised access by young children; and anchor the trampoline and enclosure to the ground by using a trampoline anchor kit.

You can follow each safety guideline for any backyard risk your home may have, and still face an accident or injury. That’s when the importance of having a comprehensive home insurance policy comes into play. Our agents can help identify your summer time insurance needs and assist you in finding quotes and coverage from a variety of providers. Contact us to find the perfect homeowners insurance policy that meets your needs and budget.