Summer is when homes get the most use — more cookouts, more guests, more time on the deck and in the yard. It’s also when small problems are most likely to show up. The encouraging part is that most home accidents happen in just a few familiar places, and the National Institute on Aging has a helpful room-by-room guide for spotting them. Here’s where to look this weekend — and a reminder of how your home policy fits in.
1. Stairs
Stairs are one of the most common spots for falls in the home. The fixes are simple: handrails on both sides, secured carpet or non-slip strips on tile or wood, and good lighting at the top and bottom. Keep the steps clear of anything that lives there “for now”—shoes, baskets—and don’t let anything you’re carrying block your view of the steps.
2. The Bathroom
The bathroom punches above its weight when it comes to slips. Wet surfaces, hard edges, and tight spaces are a tough combination. Mount grab bars near the toilet and on both the inside and outside of the tub or shower, and use non-skid mats or strips on any surface that gets wet. Adding a night light is a small upgrade that prevents a lot of middle-of-the-night incidents.
3. The Kitchen
The kitchen is the most-used room in most homes, which means small hazards add up fast. Keep frequently used pots, pans, and utensils where they’re easy to reach, so no one is balancing on a chair to grab something off a high shelf. Clean up spills the moment they happen to avoid wet surfaces. The U.S. Fire Administration has a few more easy habits to help prevent cooking fires and injuries: stand by your pan when the burner is on, turn pot handles toward the back of the stove, and keep a pan lid or baking sheet nearby in case you ever need to cover a pan.
4. Outdoor Spaces — Deck, Patio, Driveway, and Walkways
Outdoor spaces get the most use in summer, which makes June a smart time to walk yours. Make sure outdoor steps aren’t broken or uneven, and add non-slip material to any wood or composite stairways. Keep deck and porch areas clear of debris like fallen branches, garden tools, or anything else that could trip a guest. The same goes for driveways and walkways—cracked pavement, uneven surfaces, and dim entry lighting are some of the most common causes of guest injuries. Turn on the porch light at night, and if you’ll be coming home after dark, leave it on before you go.
Where Homeowners Coverage Comes In
A safer home is the goal. A homeowners policy is there to help with the things a checklist can’t prevent—including liability coverage if a guest is injured on your property. Many homeowners haven’t reviewed their policy since they bought their home, and a quick conversation can flag any gaps before summer entertaining picks up.
Get a homeowners insurance quote or contact a Westwood agent to get started.
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.
