Backyard Safety Tips

Firing up the grill, hanging pool side, and roasting s'mores in the backyard is what we live for this time of year in New England. Here at Doherty, we are passionate about outdoor safety and encourage you to be mindful of the following tips when hosting a party this summer:

Grill Safety

Every homeowner looks forward to pulling out their grill in the summer months — especially when hosting guests. But, before you do, we recommend the following tips: 

• Always make sure your gas lid is open before lighting it.
• Place the grill at least 10 feet away from any structures, including your home, deck, railings and from under any overhanging trees.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area at all times.
• Remove grease or fat buildup from the grill and the tray below the grill — do this after every use. 
• No matter what is going on at your party, never leave the grill unattended.
  

Pool and Water Safety

• Whether you are at a pool, a local lake, or the ocean — water safety is very important. Before you dive in, consider the following:
• Always watch your children when they’re in or near a pool or spa.
• #ProTip: If multiple adults are present, assign one of them to watch the children for a designated amount of time and then rotate. This technique will prevent lapses in supervision.  
• Keep children away from pool drains, pipes, and other openings to avoid entrapments.
• Learn how to swim and teach your child how to swim.
• Install pool and gate alarms to alert you when children go near the water.
• Learn how to perform CPR on children and adults from a medical professional — it’s always better to be prepared.
  

Fire Safety

Fire pits add ambiance, fun, and a lot of responsible to a backyard. Review our top dos and don’ts to make sure you are using your fire pit correctly and safely:

• DO build your fire pit on a level surface.
• DO place your fire pit at least 10 feet from your home, fences and trees.
• DO monitor your guests around fire pits and make sure they don’t get too close — especially if there is alcohol involved.
• DON’T use lighter fluid to light your fire pit.
• DON’T forget to monitor your pit at all times, and don’t leave it unattended.
• DON’T leave your fire pit until the rocks and ash are cool to the touch.
  

Heat Safety

With the temperatures soaring this summer, make sure you are aware of the signs of heat illness, and know ways to prevent this from happening at your home. We recommend making it a family rule to:

• Rest in the shade to cool down or return to the air conditioning more often than not.
• Wear a hat and light-colored clothing.
• Drink water every 15 minutes, even if you are not thirsty.
• Water is essential for maintaining blood circulation throughout your body as well as maintaining your metabolism and your internal body temperature.
  

It is essential to establish summer safety rules with your family and friends. If you have questions about summer safety and how to protect your home with an Umbrella Insurance policy, a Doherty Insurance agent is here to help. Visit our website to connect with one today: www.dohertyinsurance.com/contact-us