Sizzle Safely: Insurance Strategies for a Worry-Free Summer BBQ

Independent agents play a critical role in helping clients find the right home insurance policies for them. They are also instrumental in sharing information about general safety considerations for homeowners, which is especially essential during the summer when risks tend to be higher. By providing clients with expert advice on safety and preparedness, agents can help prevent accidents and ensure their backyard barbeques are both enjoyable and secure. A comprehensive approach to safety, including pre-barbeque planning, oversight during festivities, and thorough post-celebration clean-up, is necessary for clients to enjoy the celebrations without incident.

Pre-Event Safety

Barbecues and water activities are staples of backyard barbeques, but to ensure these get-togethers are both epic and not dangerous, it is important to implement pre-event safety measures. Agents should advise their clients on ways to inspect their homes and outdoor areas for potential hazards before the party. This includes emphasizing the importance of checking for loose railings, slippery walkways, and any other safety concerns. Agents can also encourage them to ensure outdoor lighting is functional to prevent trips and falls as the party extends into the t.

A barbeque is a staple of each and every summer party, but they also pose significant risks if not handled correctly. Agents should instruct clients to place grills away from structures and flammable materials, and to handle and store propane tanks properly. Remind them to keep a fire extinguisher nearby and to never leave the grill unattended.

Similar to a grill, a pool should also never be left unattended. Whether required by local ordinances or not, homeowners should have a fence around the pool with self-latching gates, use a pool cover when it’s not in use, establish working and accessible grab poles, life rings and safety ropes, and upgrade drain and filling systems to modern safety standards. About 10 people die from drowning every day in the US, with multiple more injured, according to the CDC. Children ages 1 to 4 years old have the highest drowning rates and among this age group, most drownings occur in home swimming pools. Pool deck slips, falls or other injuries are also a possibility. Electrical and plumbing issues can even possibly lead to pool fires and electrocution, which not only damage the property but put people’s safety at risk. In addition, agents should encourage clients to take extra precautions to prevent accidents and, of course, not allow children to swim without proper supervision.

Accidents can happen, so it’s important for clients to be aware of preventative measures in addition to being prepared with the tools to manage any crisis that may arise during their Independence Day festivities. Agents can do this by encouraging clients to ensure they have basic first aid medical supplies on hand incase needed, as well as encouraging clients to take basic first aid and CPR course from the Red Cross. Taking the step further from being prepared with first aid supplies, party hosts are encouraged to have the knowledge of how to use them and more importantly, when to call for help. By taking these precautions before the party gets started, clients will be more aware of potential risks and can keep an eye out while enjoying the party.

During the Event

Grilling injuries are a significant yet frequently overlooked hazard with over 21,000 grilling-related injuries treated at emergency departments in 2021 alone, underscoring the need for safety precautions at clients’ barbeques. Agents can recommend kid-friendly zones away from potential hazards such as grills in addition to keeping pets indoors to ensure they are safe and comfortable, reducing the risk of them getting scared or injured.

When it comes to pool safety during the event, agents should encourage clients to take extra precautions to prevent accidents and, of course, not allow children to swim without proper supervision. Going beyond just supervision at the pool, children should always be supervised throughout the entire party especially when playing.

Many people today own a trampoline in their backyard and about 100,000 people—most of whom are children—visit the emergency room due to trampoline-related injuries every year, according to NBC News. In some situations, where the negligence of a supervisor played a role in the accident, the injured person may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering via a personal injury claim filed against the property owner. Agents should encourage clients to implement safety precautions on the trampoline. For example, one person at a time or no somersaults, to reduce the risk of injury. Trampolines should be taken down if there’s any potential usage without adult supervision.

By proactively informing clients about these pre-event, during-event, and post-event safety measures, agents can help them host a secure and enjoyable summer barbeque season. An agent’s expertise not only enhances their celebration but also builds trust and strengthens the client-agent relationship. Ultimately, a well-prepared client is a happy client, and their safe summer experience will reflect positively on your guidance as their insurance agent.