August means the end of summer vacations and the start of the school year for many families. As routines shift and the pace of daily life changes, this annual transition serves as an ideal reminder for homeowners to revisit a range of home safety, security, maintenance, and insurance tasks.

Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or a first-time buyer, here are several practical tips to consider:

Home Security Checks

• Test alarm systems – Make sure all alarms, including burglar, smoke, and carbon monoxide detectors, are working properly and have fresh batteries. Potential intruders often see back to school season as an opportunity, with houses empty at predictable times.

• Update smart security devices – Review settings for smart locks, doorbell cameras, and motion sensors, especially if kids may be coming home alone after school.

• Reset access codes – Update garage keypads, security system codes, and wi-fi passwords if they’ve been shared with summer guests, contractors, or sitters.

Child Safety Prep

• Create a family safety plan – Review emergency contacts, exits, and safe meeting places in case something unexpected happens while kids are home alone.

• Secure hazardous items – Lock up cleaning products, tools, and medications as younger kids return to after-school routines at home.

Seasonal Maintenance Tips

• Schedule HVAC servicing – Book an appointment for an HVAC pro to check heating systems before colder weather sets in.

• Refresh your lawn – Aerate and overseed your lawn, as late summer/early fall is the best time of the year to grow new grass in many parts of the country.

Home Insurance Review

• Assess insured value – A Westwood agent can help make sure that the insured value of your home is up to date and accurately reflected in your homeowners insurance policy.  

By syncing these tasks with the back-to-school season, homeowners can protect their loved ones, property, and peace of mind heading into fall.

Please Note: This article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not represent any specific insurance policy and does not modify any provisions, limitations, or exclusions of any current policy.