Spring & Summer Safety tips

1. Summer is a great time for playing outdoors with your pet. However, did you know that you are liable for the actions of your pet and can be sued? Take the necessary precautions when your pet is in your yard and use a leash whenever you walk your dog. Review your liability personal limits today, to increase to $2,000,000 can be as little as $10 per year.
2. Bringing out your trailer and hitting the open road in the summer is exciting. Ensure you do not forget to have your bearings and electrical checked every year.
3. Reduce the potential loss to theft. Keep valuables in a safety deposit box at your financial institution and do not keep large amounts of cash at home.
4. Boating season is upon us! Carrying liability on your boat is not mandatory by law; however it is something absolutely necessary. It can easily be extended from your home insurance for a small additional premium. Also be aware of any changes in Boat Licencing, check with any of our offices for more information.
5. Summertime means holidays! Before leaving on your vacation arrange for a trusted and competent adult to take care of your yard and pickup mail, to make your home look lived in while you are away. No one wants to come back from holidays to find their home broken into. For more details, check out the vacation safety tips.
6. Water activities are a great way to cool off and enjoy the summer. Whether it be boating, swimming pools or out on the beach always take the proper precautions. Use life jackets, keep slippery areas down to a minimum, provide adequate supervision and do not swim alone.
7. You are responsible for what happens on your property. Spring is a good time to do a visual check of playground equipment, fences, decks, walkways, steps and the exterior of your home. Trip and falls are at an all-time high and may result in litigation.
8. Winter can take its toll on your vehicle. Take your vehicle in for a spring tune up, check the tire wear, electrical, proper functioning of horns, lights and other safety features.
9. While taking a walk, home or away, walk with awareness and appear confident. Take note of the people around you and give the impression of walking with a purpose. Do not walk in poor lit or isolated areas, stay away from alleys and use well-lit streets rather than shortcuts, where you may be alone and vulnerable. Always consult someone with local knowledge when in an unfamiliar area or region.
10. Camping is the time to experience the outdoors. Leaving a campfire burning unattended can be dangerous to you, the people around you and the environment. Ensure all embers are out before leaving your campfire.