Summer is a time for outdoor fun, barbecues, and enjoying the warm weather, but it also brings increased risks of home fires. From man-made hazards like BBQs and firepits to seasonally higher temperatures, it’s crucial to be prepared and take preventive measures. This blog will cover essential summer home fire safety tips and highlight how insurance can protect you against fire-related damages. 

BBQ Safety 

Barbecues are a staple of summer gatherings, but they can pose significant fire risks if not handled properly. 

• Placement: Keep grills at least 10 feet away from your home, deck railings, and overhanging branches. 
• Supervision: Never leave a lit grill unattended. Keep children and pets at a safe distance. 
• Cleaning: Regularly clean the grill to remove grease buildup, which can ignite and cause a fire. 

Firepit Precautions 

There’s nothing quite like enjoying the warmth of a backyard firepit on a cooler summer evening. Yet, without careful management, things can get out of hand rather quickly and ruin the fun. 

• Location: Place firepits at least 15 feet away from structures and vegetation.
• Extinguishing: Always have a water source or fire extinguisher nearby, and fully extinguish the fire before leaving the area.
• Wind: Avoid using firepits on windy days to prevent sparks from spreading. 

High Temperature Hazards 

Hot weather can increase fire risks, particularly for homes with older wiring or dry vegetation nearby. 

• Electrical Safety: Ensure your home’s wiring is up to date and avoid overloading outlets with high-wattage appliances. 
• Landscaping: Maintain a defensible space by trimming trees and shrubs and removing dead plants and debris from around your home. 

Insurance Protection for Fire 

While taking the above home fire safety preventive measures is essential, fires can still happen. And if they do, having the right insurance coverage is crucial to help deal with financial losses from any fire damage. 

1. Homeowners Insurance: Homeowners insurance typically covers fire damage, including the structure of your home and personal belongings. Review your policy to ensure adequate coverage for rebuilding costs and personal property.
2. Additional Living Expenses (ALE): If your home becomes uninhabitable due to a fire, ALE coverage can help pay for temporary living costs such as hotel stays and meals.
3. Personal Liability: In case a fire from your property causes damage to a neighbor’s property, personal liability coverage can help cover the costs. 

While hot and dry summers bring increased fire risks, implementing at-home fire safety measures and ensuring you have adequate insurance coverage are the two most important things you can do to protect your home and loved ones. Not sure if you’re fully covered against all fire-related incidents? Reach out to Safeside Insurance. Our agents will work with you to get the Right Insurance for the Right Price so you can keep enjoying a worry-free summer. Contact us today, call us at 508-753-8862, or dive right into getting a quote.