Summer Safety Tips for Drivers, Homeowners and Renters, and Businesses

Summer and warm weather are in full swing, and it is the perfect time to indulge in outdoor activities with family and friends. Whether you are planning a beach getaway, a hiking trip, or simply spending time in your backyard, it is crucial to prioritize safety for yourself and your loved ones. Below are some essential summer safety tips to ensure you have a joyful and worry-free time this season:

Use Sun Protection:

Enjoying the warm sunshine is a highlight of summer, but prolonged exposure to the sun's harmful UV rays can lead to sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. To protect yourself, wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 or higher, use protective clothing, and seek shade during peak sun hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Stay Hydrated:

High temperatures can lead to dehydration, which can cause fatigue, dizziness, and heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heatstroke. To stay hydrated drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty, and avoid excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine, as they can contribute to dehydration.

Water Safety:

Swimming and water-related activities are synonymous with summer fun, but it's crucial to ensure water safety for everyone. Always wear life jackets when boating or participating in water sports, regardless of your swimming ability, and if you're swimming in natural bodies of water, be aware of currents and tides.

Insect Protection:

With warmer weather comes a surge in insect activity. To protect yourself and your loved ones from bug bites and potential diseases like Lyme disease and West Nile virus, make sure to use insect repellent containing EPA-approved ingredients, wear long sleeves, pants, and socks at night or in areas with high insect activity, and check for ticks after spending time outdoors, especially in wooded areas.

Beat the Heat:

Heat-related illnesses can be serious and even life-threatening. Make sure to avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day, use cooling towels or take cool showers to lower your body temperature, drink plenty of water, and always seek medical attention if you have symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Prepare for Summer Storms:

Summer can bring sudden storms and extreme weather. Always be prepared by staying informed about weather forecasts and warnings, securing outdoor furniture and other objects that could become projectiles in strong winds, and seeking shelter indoors during lightning storms.

Road Safety:

Summer often means road trips and increased traffic. To stay safe while traveling this summer, check your car's condition, including tires, brakes, and fluid levels, before embarking on a long trip, and always avoid distractions while driving, such as texting or using a phone.

To make sure you are staying safe this summer, American Red Cross put together an overview of most crucial summer safety tips. By following these tips, you can make the most of the season while protecting yourself and your loved ones.

With your safety in mind, we offer Home Systems Protection Coverage, an enhancement to Safety’s Homeowners Policy, that offers homeowners assistance in the event of a system breakdown. Homeowners depend on the comfort, convenience, and security that their home systems and equipment provide. Unfortunately, many homeowners assume they are protected by warranties or service contracts when heating, air conditioning, hot water, or electrical systems fail. However, when protection is not provided, a breakdown can come as a costly surprise - several thousand dollars or more. We also offer Personal Umbrella coverage for an additional layer of protection and coverage beyond your underlying auto or home policy limits.

Additionally, our homeowner's insurance policies in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine, offer a broad selection of coverage including coverage for losses to your home and its contents from numerous perils, and coverage for liability to others arising from ownership or occupancy of your home. Enhanced coverage is available in each market, please see the individual state pages linked above for more details. Additionally, we offer competitive rates, including discounts for being loss free and a discount of 20% if you insure your automobile with us.

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Please contact your independent agent and they will be happy to answer any questions about coverage. Safety Insurance helps you manage life’s storms both online and in person.