Summer Safety Hazards That Could Be Lurking Around Your Home

We all eagerly await the arrival of summer, and the opportunity it presents to enjoy outdoor activities around our homes, such as picnics, bonfires, fireworks, and pool parties with family and friends. At the same time, you want to be sure your home is summer ready and safe to avoid accidents and injuries that could jeopardize you and your loved ones’ health and make you liable through insurance claims and lawsuits. Whether you are buying a home or are an established homeowner, it is important to be aware of summer safety hazards, as well as how to avoid them.

Steps to Take To Make You Home Summer Safe

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), unintentional injuries result in over 30 million emergency room visits each year in the United States. Slip and fall injuries, being struck by or against an object, and accidental drownings are among the most common types of injuries, and one of the areas they are most likely to occur is within the home.

While home related injuries are often referred to as accidents, the fact is that many of them could have been prevented. If you are hosting friends, neighbors, or loved ones and someone gets hurt, you could be liable for any damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages, that occur as a result. Before hosting your next gathering or get together, follow these steps to ensure your home is ready and summer safe.

Maintain Your Yard

• Avoid trip and fall injuries by making sure your walkways are clear, well lighted, and free of debris.
• Avoid serious injuries that can be caused by low hanging or falling tree branches or other debris.
• Check your deck for structural issues and make sure guardrails are solidly attached;
• If you have a swing set, make sure it is assembled correctly, secured property, and maintained to avoid sharp and rusty edges.
• Make sure any lawn furniture or picnic tables are also properly assembled and maintained.

Fire Safety

• If you are using a grill, make sure it is not too close to your house or anything flammable.
• Keep fire pits clear of low hanging branches and vines.
• Always have a ready water source available and close by.
• Make sure children are supervised, and prevent them from getting too close to flames.
• According to New York laws on fireworks, home fireworks remain illegal but sparkling and other types of sparkling devices are allowed. Avoid using these devices in dry areas, and do not allow children to light these devices on their own.

Water Safety

• If you have a pool, make sure it is gated to prevent accidental drownings.
• Never allow children to swim unsupervised.
• Make sure you have the appropriate equipment, such as rope, ladder, and flotation devices, to prevent drowning accidents.
• Make sure your family and guests refrain from diving into shallow water.
• Make sure any surrounding pool surfaces have non slip surfaces to prevent slips and falls.

At all your get together, avoid over serving alcohol to guests. Provide plenty of water and other non-alcoholic beverages, and stop serving guests before your party or picnic is over to help prevent drunk driving accidents. Never hesitate to takes someone’s keys if you suspect they have had too much to drink. While they may protest or get angry, it could end up saving theirs or someone else’s life.

Reach Out to Us Today for Assistance

At Cavallo & Cavallo, our experienced New York real estate attorneys can help you with every aspect of buying, selling, and caring for your home. We are your neighborhood law firm, able to answer your legal questions and provide the professional legal representation you need in a variety of matters that pertain to your health and financial well-being.