Summer, Sunshine, and Safety: Navigating Backyard Liability

There is nothing quite like summer in Michigan. The grills are fired up, the pool is crystal clear, and the backyard has officially transformed into your everyday hangout spot.

As your Michigan-based insurance carrier, we love a good patio party as much as anyone. But because we are professional worrywarts (a title we wear with pride!), our minds tend to drift toward safety risks while we're soaking up the sunshine.

To help you keep your summer gatherings fun and accident-free, here is our guide to surviving the four biggest backyard liabilities:

1. Swimming Pools

A backyard pool can be the ultimate way to keep cool during the summer, but it is also known for being a big liability, especially if access to the pool is not properly maintained.

Safety Tip: Enclose your pool with a fence that is at least four feet tall and features a self-closing, self-latching gate. Never leave toys floating in the water when the pool isn’t in use (as they can tempt curious toddlers) and always designate an adult "water watcher" during parties.

2. Trampolines

Trampolines are a blast, but they also account for a surprising number of emergency room visits. Many insurance companies have strict rules (or even exclusions) regarding trampolines because of the risk.

Safety Tip: Always install a safety net and protective padding over those finger-pinching springs. Enforce a "one jumper at a time" rule and use heavy-duty wind anchors so it doesn't end up in your neighbor's maple tree during a storm.

3. Fire Pits

A crackling fire is the perfect way to wind down after a day full of summer fun, but a stray ember can easily turn a relaxing night into a catastrophe.

Safety Tip: Keep your fire pit on a level, non-flammable surface (like stone or pavers) at least 10 to 15 feet away from your house, deck, or low-hanging trees. And please, have a hose or a bucket of water nearby!

4. Grills

We’ve seen far too much melted or burnt siding because a roaring hot grill was pushed way too close to a house (spoiler alert: vinyl melts surprisingly fast when cuddled up next to 500-degree flames).

Safety Tip: Place your grill at least 10 feet away from railings, siding, and deck overhangs. Clean out the grease trap regularly to avoid sudden flares and never leave a hot grill unattended.

With all the talk of risks, we are certain if you have made it this far, you’re now asking what else you could do to keep the good times rolling this summer, and the simple answer is to Review Your Liability Coverage.

Even with the best safety precautions, accidents can happen. That is why homeowners' policies include Personal Liability coverage to help protect your financial assets if a guest is injured on your property.

If you have a pool, a trampoline, or host frequent gatherings, we highly recommend adding a Personal Umbrella Policy. For just a few dollars a month, an umbrella policy provides a whole lot of extra liability protection that you will be thankful to have in the event of an incident.

Want to double-check your coverage before your next backyard BBQ? Contact your agent to review your liability coverage today!

Have any questions about what you just read? Please contact your Independent Insurance Agent or email us at socialmedia@psmic.com!

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