Blog July 12, 2017 Summertime Safety Now that we’re in the middle of the summer, there are probably lots of fun outdoor activities going on around your property. While BBQ’s, swimming pools and KanJam are all in good fun, it’s still important to be aware of your tenants’ safety. Here are a few ways that you can keep your property safe while still providing a fun summer environment. Pool safety While the pool itself is a very obvious place that calls for safety attention, there are lots of minor items that can be looked at in order to prevent slips, falls and other accidents. First, remove toys in or around the pool area when not in use. Appoint an official adult watcher to ensure children are supervised near the pool. Stay up to date with the latest CPR techniques by signing up for local classes. Place “No Running” signs up around the pool area while also enforcing them as needed. BBQ Time! It’s always good to take time to offer education classes on safety and awareness for BBQ events. Remind your tenants on basic precautions like checking the gas hose for leaks before using a propane tank for the first time; or reminding people to let coals from a charcoal grill cool before disposing in a metal container. Also, you can point out other tips, regardless of the type of grill. Recommendations like only using these items in an outdoor environment or always keeping your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills (including the trays below the grill). It can never hurt to review these basics throughout the season. Gaming Activities What is a summer BBQ without games like volleyball, cornhole and KanJam?! Although these activities provide hours of fun, it’s important to “play it safe” with a few tips. According to the US Geological Survey, up to 60% of a person’s body weight is water, and it only takes a 1- to 2% drop in that percentage to cause dehydration. Remind your tenants to beat the heat by drinking plenty of water and wearing proper attire like hats and sunglasses. It can’t hurt to apply sun screen or seek shady areas to stay cool. While there are many other ways to keep your summer feeling fun and safe at the same time, this is a great place to start. Be sure to keep an open ear out for if tenants or guests in your building have other ideas or suggestions that may help you further this safety precaution. Make summertime safety a priority for your property and enjoy the season!