Pool Safety Tips

There's no better place to be than in the pool when you're trying to beat the heat. Pools provide great relaxation, exercise, and fun, but they can also be very dangerous, especially for children. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, drowning is one of the leading causes of death for children. Check out these tips to make sure that your pool stays a safe and fun place.

 

1.      Be Prepared. Everyone who is using your pool, including you and your children, should learn how to swim. You should also learn how to perform CPR on both adults and children. Teach your children pool safety tips from a young age, and remind them to follow pool rules whenever they go swimming.

 

2.      Be Alert. There should always be at least one adult watching the children in the pool at all times. This responsible adult should have a phone nearby in case of emergency. Never allow anyone to swim alone, even if they know how to swim. Never swim after taking anything that impairs your judgment or slows your reaction time, such as alcohol or medications.

 

3.      Install Fences and Gates. The fence around your pool should be at least four feet tall. A safe pool gate is both self-latching and self-closing. The latch on the gate should be located above a child's reach. You can also install pool and gate alarms to alert you when anyone goes near the water.

 

The fence around your pool should be at least four feet tall. A safe pool gate is both self-latching and self-closing. The latch on the gate should be located above a child's reach.

 

4.      Pay Attention to Decks and Ladders. The same basic safety rules apply to all types of pools, but above-ground pools also have decks and ladders. Put a guard rail around the entire deck. Ladders into the pool should be easily removable, or swing up out of the reach of children, and securely stored when the pool is not in use.

 

5.      Keep Your Pool Area Safe. Try to locate pools away from the house, instead of using it as a fourth wall. Locate lawn furniture, trees, and shrubs at a safe distance from the pool fence. These items present a hazardous way to climb over the fence and into the pool area. If you have an in-ground pool, put a clearly visible dividing line between the shallow end and the deep end. Visibly mark the depth of the water throughout the pool. Children might accidently fall into the water reaching for toys, so make sure that they are stored safely away from the pool.

 

6.      Perform Safety Checks and Pool Maintenance. Check your pool and equipment routinely to be certain that it is clean and working properly. Loose or unsecured ladders, fences, or guard rails could be very dangerous, so make sure to test these areas frequently for sturdiness and stability. Inspect nails, bolts, and other sharp objects that could protrude from your pool, deck, or equipment and cause injury.

 

7.      Be Aware of Entrapment. A major cause of drowning accidents is drain entrapment. Drain entrapment is when a body, article of clothing, hair, or jewelry is caught in a drain that is not working properly. The best way to prevent entrapment is to advise children to stay away from drains. Everybody going into the pool should have no loose clothing or jewelry on and have long hair tied back. Consider installing automatic shut-off systems and verify that your drain covers are compliant with safety standards.

 

8.      Know what to do if an Accident Happens. The electrical cut-off switch and pool pump switch should be clearly marked and easy to reach. You should know how to shut these switches off quickly if an emergency were to occur. In the event of an entrapment, insert a small object in between the person and the drain to break the suction, and then roll them away from the drain. It would be nearly impossible to pull a person away from the drain without breaking the suction first. Accidents happen even at the safest pools, so have a first aid kit nearby at all times.

Summer Safety Tips for Kids

The final school bell has rung, the pencils and notebooks are packed away and the kids are ready for some summer fun! Children love the hot summer months, because they provide the perfect opportunity to spend lots of time outside. Whether it’s swimming in the pool, hiking through the woods, taking long walks, or going for a bike ride, there is something for everyone, no matter how young or old.

 

We hope that everyone enjoys this special time of year, but we want to also remind parents that there are potential dangers during the summer months, and it’s important to be aware of what they are. The more information one learns about how to prevent illnesses and injuries, the less likely they will occur.

 

There are many areas to cover when it comes to summer safety, and we’ll review just a few here. Please keep in mind that this is a brief list of tips. For more information check out the web sites recommended at the end of this article.

Tick Bites

Ticks are responsible for a variety of illnesses including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. These diseases can be very serious. Learn ways to protect your family. Some suggestions include:

• protective clothing (long sleeves, long pants, tucking pants into socks)
• tick/bug repellant
• insect repellant for pets
• staying in the center of paths, keeping away from overgrown areas and not sitting directly on the ground
• performing tick checks on all family members every day
• being aware of signs/symptoms of tick-related illnesses
• calling the doctor for any concerns and questions
  
  

Helmet Safety

• An appropriate helmet must be worn whenever a child is “on wheels.” This means bicycles, scooters, skates, rollerblades, skateboards and more!
• The helmet must fit properly.
• Helmets can be life saving and can protect a child from serious injury.
• Be sure the right type of helmet is being used. For example, a bike helmet needs to be used for biking.
• Moms and dads should wear helmets as well.
  
  

Pedestrian Safety

• Teach children to walk, not run, across the street.
• Children should cross only with an adult or an older, responsible child.
• Whenever crossing the street, try to make eye contact with any drivers nearby, to be sure they see you.
• Teach children to avoid running out from between parked cars.
• Use sidewalks whenever possible.
• Always hold your child’s hand near any moving or parked vehicles.
• Adults always need to set a good example!
  
  

Water Safety

Adult supervision is of paramount importance. Parents need to focus on their children 100% of the time. No distractions!


• Practice “touch supervision” (a term used by the American Academy of Pediatrics). This means that at all times, the supervising adult is within an arm’s length of the child being watched, when near or in the water.
• Remember, no child or adult is “drown proof.”
• Keep in mind that children can drown in many different water sources including: bathtubs, toilets, buckets, baby pools, backyard swimming pools, community pools, streams, creeks, lakes, rivers, oceans and other places.

Sun Protection

• Avoid sun exposure during peak sun hours (10 AM – 6 PM).
• Wear protective clothing and a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses (with 99-100% UV protection).
• Sunscreen is a must (on sunny and cloudy days)! Look for products with UVA and UVB protection and an SPF of at least 15 (according to the American Academy of Pediatrics and American Association of Dermatology).
• Sunscreen should be applied liberally 30 minutes before going out in the sun, and reapplied every two hours or sooner if swimming, sweating or toweling off.
• Look for shade whenever possible.
  
  

Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac

• It’s the oil from the leaves of these plants that cause the potential allergic reaction.
• Consider wearing protective clothing to help decrease the amount of exposed skin.
• Learn how to recognize what poison ivy, oak and sumac look like, so that they can be avoided.
• Avoid bushy, overgrown areas and places which may contain these plants. Try to stay on paths.

Summer First Aid Kit

• Every family should have at least one first aid kit at home which is well stocked and readily accessible.
• It’s also helpful to keep a first aid kit in the car and one to bring on trips.
• Kids get lots of cuts and scrapes during the warm summer months, so it’s nice to be prepared.
• Don’t forget to restock the kit once an item has been used.
• Be sure to keep a list of emergency numbers where they are easy to find. This list should include: emergency medical services (911), the doctor’s number, the dentist’s number, poison control, a number where mom and/or dad can be reached and any other important phone numbers.

Dehydration and Heat-Related Illnesses

• Keeping well hydrated is very important.
• Children (and adults) must remember to drink.
• Do not wait until a child says he is thirsty before offering fluids. At this point, he is already dehydrated, so be sure to provide plenty of fluids before going outside, while out in the heat and afterwards.
• Playing in the hot summer sun means lots of fluid losses, so avoid strenuous activity during peak sun hours (10 am- 6 pm). Look for shade and take lots of breaks.
• Seek medical attention immediately for any signs of heat-related illness.

Grilling

• Never let children near the grill. Remember, it can remain very hot even after it is no longer being used.
• Be sure to check the internal temperature of foods on the grill, to be sure everything has been cooked appropriately.
• If picnicking outdoors, avoid leaving out foods that require refrigeration and/or foods that can quickly spoil.

Enjoy longer days and warmer nights while protecting your investment

Summertime is the best time to be outside enjoying the weather. Make sure your deck or patio is ready for the summer sun by keeping in mind the seasonal maintenance tips below.

• Check deck or patio for possible deterioration and safety hazards such as loose boards and protruding nails.
• Check electrical outlets for potential fire hazards such as frayed wires or loose-fitting plugs. Be sure not to overload electrical outlets, fuse boxes, extension cords or any other power service.
• Check all window and door locks to ensure correct functioning. Make sure all locks are secure and there are no holes in any of the screens.
• Inspect recreational equipment for proper operation and possible dangers (e.g., Are swing sets secure, and do they contain any rusty bolts?).
• Carefully inspect your toilet. Look for the erosion of plastic floater valves, and check all pipe connections.
• Clean or replace your furnace filter.
• Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct and space under the dryer. Remove all lint, dust and pieces of material.
• Inspect washing machine hoses periodically, and replace hoses that show signs of wear or leakage.
• Have your roof inspected by a professional once every few years to identify areas of potential leakage.

Summer Safety Tips

Smart Insurance Coverage This Summer

Sure, the risk of severe storms and natural disasters increases during the summers months, but there are also plenty of "hidden dangers" you may not always consider.  If you're not adequately protected against them, you could find yourself in the middle of an insurance storm.

Property Insurance Covers More Than Your Home

Home damage caused by intense thunder storms accounts for many homeowner's insurance claims over the warmer months, but so much more can go wrong in and around your home.

Things like bicycles, high-end camping gear, and the cameras you use to record your adventures are expensive items that can be damaged in a catastrophe or fall victim to theft. Luckily, they're often covered by your homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy. But as you accumulate these kinds of goodies over time, it's important to verify that your coverage levels still meet your needs—speaking to your insurance agent is an easy way to make sure your coverage is keeping up with your lifestyle.

Should the unexpected occur, you'll want to have all the information you need to file your claim.

Going Above and Beyond Your Policy Limits

What if a wayward sparkler on the 4th of July caused a burn or set a flammable item on fire? Or

how about a backyard BBQ where a faulty grill leads to mayhem?

Consider the additional level of protection that comes with a Personal Umbrella Policy. A personal umbrella policy provides liability coverage over and above your standard auto insurance or homeowners insurance. Basically, it offers protection against large and potentially devastating liability claims or judgments, kicking in right where your other liability coverage stops.

A personal umbrella policy's added protection is a great safeguard if you own a pool, but don't ignore the other potential dangers lurking around your house. Check out our article Is Your Backyard Safe for Summer? to help keep your summer fun accident-free.

Two-Wheeled Trips Call for Motorcycle Insurance

As the weather gets warmer, the open road calls. Unfortunately, so do nearly 100,000 annual motorcycle accidents and injuries. One way to protect yourself is making sure you use the right safety gear every time you ride. For help making smart decisions, check out our Tips for Buying the Right Motorcycle Gear.

Your auto insurance won't help you on a motorcycle. You'll need motorcycle insurance that protects your bike—and also protects you.

Your Home on Wheels Needs Fixed Protection

If your summer travel plans include an RV or motor home, remember that these special vehicles fall outside the coverage of your regular auto insurance. The good news is that motor home insurance offers specialized protection for you and your family, and even the contents inside.

Plan for Your 4-Wheeled Fun

Many people don't think to insure their all-terrain and off-road vehicles. While their relative size may be small, they can come with outsized price tags. And with so many dips, jumps, turns, and outdoor hazards (like tree limbs!), there's no shortage of things that can go wrong. Off-road vehicle insurance can help protect your investment whether you're riding on back trails in the woods or on the back 9.

Get Covered Before You Get Drenched

When you set out to boat, you've got more than just fueling your tank to think about. Fun on the water also means having the right safety equipment, emergency service plan, and wreck coverage ready in case you need it—read our What to Put in a Boat Safety Kit article to get a head start.

Bicycle Safety - For Adults & Children!

Warmer weather is finally here! Adults and children alike enjoy bicycle riding when the sun is shining, so here are some tips to keep safe, while still having fun!

ü       Wear a helmet.

o        Choose one that meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission standards.

o        Make sure it fits properly.  It should cover the rider’s forehead and should always be fastened.

o        Don’t throw the helmet; this could damage the integrity of the product.

ü       Make sure the bicycle ‘fits’ the rider.

o        The rider should straddle the top bar; both feet flat on the ground.

o        There should be 1-2 inches between the top bar and the rider for a road bike, and 3-4 inches for a mountain bike.

ü       Perform regular maintenance.

o        Check tires for air and tire pressure.

o        Test brakes to make sure they are working properly.

o        Be sure wheels, seat and handlebars fit tightly.

o        Inspect the chain for damage, and oil regularly.

ü       Stand out.

o        Wear bright colored clothing.

o        Place reflectors on the bicycle and reflective stickers on the helmet.

o        Avoid riding at night if at all possible; if it can’t be avoided, wear light-colored clothing and affix a bicycle light and reflectors to the bicycle.

ü       Listen up.

o        Avoid headphones; music can prevent riders from hearing noises in their surroundings.

ü       Dress smart.

o        Avoid loose-fitting clothing, long backpack straps and long shoelaces that can get caught in the chain, and cause injury.

o        Wear shoes that cover the foot; never ride barefoot or in sandals or flip-flops.  Shoe soles should grip the bicycle pedals.

ü       Be aware.

o        Look for cars and other motorists.

o        Follow traffic regulations and learn appropriate hand signals.

o        Avoid riding into puddles and leaves, and over grates or gravel.

o        Look out for other bicyclists, pedestrians, and children playing in the area.

o        Learn the laws in your local jurisdiction for rules specific to your area.  Or for more safety information check with the National Highway Safety Administration at www.nhtsa.dot.gov.