Minnesota summers– fresh vegetables, the smell of sunscreen at the lake, a flash of color from the monarch butterflies, the tastes of the state fair. This is the season when you’re eager to log off the computer, clear out your house, fire up the grill outdoors, and hang out in the backyard.
You want your backyard to feel like a safe haven for your friends and family to gather. Lessen the risk of water damage to your property. Use these backyard safety tips to keep your spaces safe for kids and pets to play.
Because of a storm, your neighborhood might have a deluge that floods your home. But even your normal plumbing can lead to a flood. While a dip in the pool or a well-watered tropical garden can refresh you, all that water could lead to a lot of damage both outside and inside your home. Make sure downspouts, gutters, and sprinkler systems are in proper working order. Look for broken pieces on the hoses or bibs. According to the EPA. An irrigation system that has a leak 1/32nd of an inch in diameter (about the thickness of a dime) can waste about 6,300 gallons of water per month.
Inspect above-ground pools for cracks and other structural damage to prevent flooding.
Often the central gathering area of the backyard, patios, decks, and porches offer ample room to kick back and relax. However, wood is notoriously vulnerable to rot and mold. And in areas in the yard with shade, poor ventilation, piles of leaves, Repair or replace rotted, warped, or cracked wood, which could be a sign of instability and/or pest problems. Tend to any loose railings, steps, nails, or other connections.
Eliminate any accidents by sweeping or hosing off outdoor debris, which could cause guests to fall or trip. Consider childproofing (or adult proofing) your space with decking safety strips, patio door safety gates, or a porch safety rail.
Every year, inspect your yard for damage that may have appeared during the colder and rainier months. Keep the area free from potential problems:
Whether you’re grilling dinner or toasting marshmallows around the fire pit, avoid getting burned when you turn up the heat by following these fire safety guidelines. Above all else, select a grilling location that’s well-ventilated and free of obstacles. Operate your barbecue on a level surface away from your house, garage, and landscaping. Stay clear from wooden fencing, railings, or anything else that’s highly flammable.
Keep grills, chimneys, and fire pits at least 10-feet away from your house or other structure. Place equipment that will have open flames on steady ground and cannot easily be tipped over. Never leave a fire unattended and never call it a night before a fire is completely out. Be prepared to put a fire out by having a fire extinguisher, a bucket of sand, or other fire suppressants readily available.
Don’t let potential hazards ruin your good times. With a little inspection, maintenance, and eye on safety, you can keep the fun in the sun going all season long by making your backyard free of harm.
When you experience water damage (or any damage) to your home while enjoying the summer weather, you need quick answers and fast response. Locally owned and operated for over 20 years, the water damage team at 24Restore includes carpenters, IICRC Certified Drying Technicians, project managers, and staff. Developing a strong subcontractor network in Minneapolis ensures that anyone sent to work in your home is reliable and has passed a criminal background check. Call us and our water damage experts will be en route to your home within one hour.