Summertime isn’t usually when people think about their homeowner’s insurance. Before you open your pool, start the grill, and set up the trampoline, consider these common summertime insurance claims.

Drowning. If you have a pool at your home, practicing pool safety can prevent a tragic accident and homeowner’s insurance claim. From 2005-2014, there was an average of 3,536 fatal non-boating related unintentional drownings annually in the United States. That’s approximately ten deaths per day. Nearly one in five people who die from drowning are children 14 and younger. For every child who dies from drowning, another five receive emergency care for nonfatal submersion injuries. To keep your family and guests safe, implement pool safety rules. Basic pool safety rules should include:

• Never leave a child alone in or near the pool.

• Install proper fencing around the pool. Close all gates and barriers securely and install childproof latches.

• Teach children how to swim and to stay away from drains.

• Learn appropriate CPR techniques for children and adults.
  

Fires. Grilling and fires are very common during the summer months. They can lead to a significant insurance claim if not done safely. Approximately 10,600 fires are started by grills each year. July is the peak month for grill fires with approximately 18% happening during that month.) June (15%), May (13%), and August (12%) are also months with a high rate of reported grill fires. Grills on an exterior balcony or open porch were the leading area of origin for structure fires involving grills. In 2014-2018, an average of 19,700 patients per year went to emergency rooms because of injuries involving grills. On average, 39% of those injured were children.

Grill safety tips include:

• Only use propane and charcoal BBQ grills outdoors.

• The grill should be placed away from buildings, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging tree branches.

• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in catch trays below the grill.

• Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.

• Never leave your grill unattended.

Personal Injuries. Although having toys like trampolines may be fun for the kids (and sometimes adults!), they can also lead to accidents that require insurance claims. You may want to consider increasing your liability insurance, medical payments coverage or even purchasing a personal umbrella policy to increase your protection. You can also protect your family and guests by:

• Always supervising children on trampolines

• Not allowing jumpers to attempt flips or other acrobatics

• Making sure you are following your town's by-laws and are in compliance with your insurance company.

• Only allowing one person at a time to be jumping on the trampoline

• Keeping the trampoline springs covered with padding

• Moving the trampoline away from trees, sheds, and other structures.

• Placing an enclosure around the trampoline to prevent falls.

Zammito Insurance is always available to answer your questions regarding home and auto insurance all year long. Give us a call at (781) 762-6732 to find out more.