Summer begins on June 20, but the days are already getting warmer — the perfect weather for outdoor fun, barbecues, backyard get-togethers and bonfires. However, summertime also comes with several hazards if you’re not careful.
DIY Homeowners must take special care to improve their home’s safety indoors and outdoors. Here are eight summer safety tips you can DIY.
Refinish the Deck
After a harsh winter, your deck’s boards may be warped, raised, rotted and cracked. Time and weather may also cause loose screws and missing pieces. If left alone, your household and guests risk injury.
Repair broken boards and restain and reseal your deck at the beginning of summer to ensure optimal safety and improve its life span. Stay on top of this every couple of years. Refinishing your deck will also cover water damage, mold and mildew growth.
There are 16 Outstanding Railing for Deck Ideas to Dress Up Your Patios!
Install a Generator
Heat waves make power outages exceedingly dangerous to human health during the summer. Hurricane season and extreme precipitation run from June to November, and blackouts are relatively common. Therefore, install a generator to keep the air on until the grid is back up and running.
A recent study showed that grid failures lasting at least one hour and affecting 50,000 residents increased by 60% in five years. When blackout events occur during hot temperatures, populations grow exceedingly susceptible to heat exhaustion, stroke or even death.
Check Indoor Hazards
Now is the time to give your home interiors a once-over, from recaulking to running an energy audit to upgrading electrical systems. Worn-out wiring could cause arc flashes — when electricity short circuits and explodes. There are about five to 10 arc flashes daily in the United States. However, any electrical work should be left to a professional electrician.
You should also look for cracks in the foundation, install sun shades and remove any hazardous chemicals. Crafty DIY homeowners can build extra storage for household cleaners, bug sprays and leftover house paint.
Boost Home Security
Believe it or not, most burglaries occur from June to August between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. when homeowners are working and the kids are at camp. Many homes are also left unattended during summer vacations and weekend sports.
Aside from investing in an alarm system, you can DIY motion sensors, video surveillance and smart lights you can control from your phone. Other security safety tips include:
- Ask trustworthy neighbors to keep an eye on your house while you’re away
- Always leave a car in the driveway
- Check all your home’s locks and windows
- Lock the door leading into your garage
- Ask the post office to hold your packages when you’re traveling
- Do not leave spare keys under doormats or flowerpots
- Avoid posting about your travel plans on social media
You can never go overboard in strengthening your home security. This summer, take as many precautions as possible to protect your house from burglars.
These are the 6 Home Security Measures Everyone Should Consider Using.
Trim Overhanging Trees
Old trees create a beautiful canopy to shade your home and enhance curb appeal. However, rotted branches and damaged trunks could cause severe damage. Imagine one good summer storm swooping in, causing an overhanging tree to topple onto the roof.
Although your homeowner’s insurance should cover the repair costs, it’s one ordeal you will want to avoid — especially since these incidents could prove extremely dangerous. Trim back large or rotting branches to avoid anything falling on the house or people.
Learn How To Safely Trim Large Trees?
Move the Grill Away From the House
Everyone loves a good bonfire and barbecue during the summer, but you must be careful around fire. One of the most crucial summer safety tips is never to leave a fire pit or grill unattended. Moving your grill away from the house when using it is also vital.
A National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) report found that 15% and 18% of grill fires occur in June and July, respectively — most begin on a balcony or porch. Additionally, gas grills cause 8,900 residential fires annually, while charcoal grills cause 1,300.
Exterminate Bugs
Summer weather is conducive to bugs and pest infestations, so be sure to exterminate them. Check the house for signs of termites and spray the exterior and interior of your home.
It’s a good idea to spray for bugs earlier in the season for a better chance of destroying colonies and nests. This will prevent bigger problems inside your house or garden when it gets humid and rainy.
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Schedule Inspections
Not every summer safety project is for DIY homeowners — sometimes, you must hire an expert. You may not know what you’re looking at or catch everything that needs repair.
Schedule various inspections annually to ensure your house runs smoothly — from appliance maintenance to roofing to insulation. An inspector has the expertise to determine damage or whether upgrades are needed. Keeping your home fully up to date will further improve its safety this summer and prevent potential problems.
Stay Safe With Home Improvements
Home safety is more important than ever during summer. Take control of your household maintenance before problems begin popping up. The more you stay on top of its care, the safer it will be.
