Is Your Backyard Safe? Backyard Safety Tips for Homeowners and Renters

As a homeowner or renter, there is no better feeling than throwing your first backyard get together!

Complete with BBQ’d food, drinks, chips and dip and plenty of seats to bask in the sun or the shade, backyard parties make summer complete.

Do you plan to throw a party in your backyard before the summer ends? If so – there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure your guests (and you) have the best time possible.

Other than having plenty of food (which can be solved by having a potluck style party) and plenty of drinks (BYOB), here are a few simple safety tips to check out so the focus of the party remains on relaxing and never shifts to a trip to the ER or a crying child. 

Here are five safety tips for your backyard parties: 

1. Don’t allow any unsupervised swimming in your pool. Always make sure there are at least two people swimming at a time and NEVER let kids swim without adult supervision.
2. According to the National Fire Protection Association, gas and charcoal grills have been involved in an average of 8,800 home and outside fires each year. Don’t join this statistic! Be sure to keep the grill clean, never place it close to anything combustible, and never leave the grill unattended.
3. Trampolines are every kids dream come true! But, did you know according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, they cause nearly 100,000 injuries each year.  Be sure to limit the number of jumpers at a time, never leave children unsupervised and make sure the trampoline is anchored properly to the ground.
4. Playsets are fun for kids of all ages, but can be very dangerous if they aren’t kept up to code. Regularly check for sturdiness, rusty bolts and wood rot and make any necessary repairs.
5. Warm nights are the perfect time to roast marshmallows over a fire pit, but out-of-control fires can cause injury. Always make sure the fire pit is in a safe spot away from your home, deck or trees with low hanging branches. Use sand to fully extinguish the fire and let the coals cool completely before disposing of them in a metal container. 

Make this summer one to be remembered for good times, not accidents.

We’re not just here to be your source of insurance.  We want to give you the information to help you take the necessary precaution so you can avoid even having to call us.  Taking simple safety precautions when playing or partying in your backyard is necessary in order to have a safe, good time. Once you’ve deemed the area safe, pop a top, sit back and enjoy your summer. Cheers!