The summer is the perfect time for throwing backyard barbeques, pool parties, and family gatherings at your home. Yet, being the perfect host entails a lot more than providing your guests with food and fun. Ensuring your guests’ safety at your summer party is a necessary requirement of being a good host. Follow these tips to keep your family and friends safe this summer:

Barbeque Safety

• A grill should always be at least 10 feet away from the house, shrubs, or any other objects to prevent the chance of fire.
• Always stay by the grill while it is on
• Never bring a grill inside your home or garage. This can lead to a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Always keep kids and pets away from barbeque equipment when it is being used.
• Before using a gas grill, always check to make sure there are no leaks between the propane tank and the fuel line. If you do detect a leak, do not turn the grill on until it has been fixed.

Pool Safety

• Installing a gated fence around your pool area is the best way to protect children and animals from drowning. Always keep the gate closed and latched.
• Pools require a lot of precautions, including the responsibility of the home owner to be CPR certified. It is a good idea to learn CPR with your entire family in case an emergency situation ever occurred.
• When children are in the pool area there should always be adult supervision.
• Keep the pool area clear of obstructions that might cause someone to trip.
• At least one adult in the pool area should keep a cell phone with them, so that 911 could be dialed immediately.
• Even adults should never swim alone, especially if they are home alone.
• Keep a life vest on hand in the pool area. If a drowning occurred a life vest and other rescue equipment should be accessible.
• Section off the shallow end of the pool from the deep end to help keep young swimmers from going too far.
• Do not use glassware in the pool area to prevent bare feet from getting cut.
• Pool chemicals are hazardous and flammable. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using pool chemicals, and keep them stored in a cool, dry place out of reach from children and animals.

Play Set Safety

• Serious injuries and even deaths have occurred from accidents on play sets. Dirt and grass are not safe under a play set.
• Rubber mulch, hardwoods chips, or other soft materials should be placed under and around play sets to prevent brain and bone damage if a child falls.
• If there are many children at your backyard party, designate a number of children that can go on the play set at a time.
• No matter how many children there are, however, there should always be adult supervision.
• Always check backyard play sets for signs of rust, chipped paint, and broken parts before allowing to children to use them.
• Never allow children to use a play set that is wet. These slippery surfaces could easily lead to an injury.
• Keep your backyard play set area clear of obstructions. Remove tree branches and rocks that children could trip on. Also, always check a play set for insect nests before allowing children to use it.
• Make sure children are not wearing any scarves, necklaces or other item of clothing that could easily get caught in a play set and cause choking.

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In case of an emergency, especially those related to natural disasters, it is crucial to have an emergency kit prepared and accessible. Before you encounter any such situation, organizing emergency essentials beforehand allows you and your family to act quickly and safely in times of danger. Some basics of a home emergency kit include: water, food, first aid, and important personal documents. The following lists in further detail the emergency items you will need:

Water- Estimate about a gallon per family member plus any additional water you may need for food preparation.

Food- Pack non-perishable foods that require very little preparation. For example, canned meats, vegetables and fruits, nutritional bars, peanut butter, powdered milk and vitamins.

First Aid- Be sure to have bandages scissors, tape, pain relievers, tweezers and other first aid materials in your emergency kit. Also, if you or a family member needs a specific medication, having an extra prescription may be essential if roads are blocked or pharmacies are closed due to bad weather.

Radio- During bad weather, it is important to stay informed about current conditions by checking your local weather forecast. Have a battery powered radio on hand in case of power failure or the need to evacuate.

Important Documents- Include a list of all important numbers and addresses in your emergency kit. Also include copies of birth certificates, important contracts, and deeds in your emergency kit in case these items get destroyed.

Other Supplies- Have extra house and car keys ready in the chance that you have to evacuate your home quickly. Also pack flashlights, candles, matches, batteries, blankets and a change of clothing.

No matter which part of the country you live in, natural disasters can cause emergency situations. Being prepared with a home emergency kit will facilitate you in caring for yourself, your family and your home. If you live in a region prone to a particular type of natural disaster, such as tornadoes or flooding, tailor your home emergency kit accordingly.

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