7 Ways to Safeguard Your Home in the Summer
Sweet summertime... pool days, backyard birthday parties, and beach vacations you’ve been looking forward to for months. If it’s summer where you live, you and your family are probably excited to get back to some of your favorite warm weather hobbies. Although summertime brings lots of excitement, it can also bring not-so-fun surprises like broken air conditioning systems, pool leaks, and severe weather.
As the seasons change, preparing your home for the appropriate temperatures is important. Follow the loss prevention tips below to beat the heat and protect your home this summer.
1. Prepare for storms
Tornado season is typically winding down by the time summer rolls around, but don’t forget to prepare for hurricane season. Although more severe storms usually have a warning, summer showers can often turn out to be more damaging than they’re projected to be.
To prepare your home for storms, start by securing your outdoor furniture and anything else that could be picked up by wind (trampolines, pool floats, children’s toys, etc.). Trim nearby tree limbs close to your home before a storm to prevent structural damage. To protect against flooding and water damage, ensure the exits in your home are sealed properly.
2. Never leave your grill unattended
Summertime is grill out time! Whether you prefer to grill on the back patio, in the backyard, or by the pool, grill safety should be a standard practice. Neglecting your grill can be a fire hazard, so keep it away from flammable areas. The best grill masters keep a fire extinguisher close by in case flames get out of hand.
3. Service your air conditioning unit
Your air conditioning unit likely has to work overtime in the summer to keep your home cool and comfortable. It’s a good idea to have your unit serviced before the summer heat arrives to make sure everything is working properly. An inspection can help rule out any potential issues or installation errors and can keep your unit running smoothly.
If you plan to be out of town, leave your air conditioner on and set to room temperature rather than turning it off. Turning your cooling system off can place added stress on your home’s appliances and can likely increase your utility bill.
4. Keep up with pool maintenance
If you have a pool, you know they require constant maintenance to stay in good shape. To prevent summer losses, maintain your pool by inspecting the pool liner for tears, maintaining the water level, testing the chemical and shock levels, and keeping the filters clean. Keeping your pool properly maintained also protects the ground around your pool from leaks and cracks, which is especially important if it is close to your home.
5. Supervise youth activities
Summertime with kids takes safety to a whole new level. Whether your kids enjoy swinging on the playground, swimming, or riding bikes, it’s important to always supervise children. If you have a pool, consider putting a childproof gate around your pool area or a safety cover on when it’s not being used. If you have a trampoline, make sure your child is aware of how to use it safely.
Children are prone to falling, which is one of their top causes of injury. If you have a playground, treehouse, or other tall structure that your kids love in the summertime, be attentive and present when your child is climbing. Adult supervision is the key to keeping your kids safe and your home free of accidents during the summer.
6. Secure your home if you go on a trip
Year after year, summer has the highest burglary rates of all seasons. Specifically, June-August is the ideal time for thieves to plan a visit, especially if they know you won’t be there. If you’re planning a summer vacation, consider taking some extra steps to safeguard your home while you’re away. For the social media lovers, stay away from sharing your whereabouts until after you leave. Home security systems that can be controlled from your smartphone like cameras, outdoor lights, and alarm systems are great ways to keep eyes on your home from a distance.
Before you leave for a trip, double check that all doors and windows are locked, leave a light on inside, and consider leaving a car in the driveway if possible. The more it looks like someone is home, the less likely it is to be targeted for robbery.
7. Review your homeowners insurance coverage
Last but not least, review your homeowners insurance policy to make sure you have the coverage you need to enjoy your summer. Reviewing your insurance details at least once a year is a great opportunity to think about recent property changes: home renovations, new pool, new outdoor shed, or any other changes that add value to your home or property.
With Alfa®, homeowners insurance doesn’t have to be confusing. Contact your local Alfa agent today to get personalized coverage that works for you.
*This is not an insurance policy. It is intended only to provide a general description of Alfa Insurance® and/or its product lines and services. An actual policy contains the specific details of the deductibles, coverages, conditions and exclusions. Your Alfa® agent can explain the policy and benefits and answer any questions you may have before you buy.