Homeowners are responsible for any injuries that may occur on their property, whether by a family member, friend, or complete stranger. While your homeowner’s insurance may cover liability, you also want to make sure you have done all you can to keep your property free from dangers that could cause injuries. Here are a few ways to start!
How to Avoid Injuries on Your Property: Make Sure Maintenance is Up to Date
In conducting regular home maintenance, you should keep an eye out for anything that could cause tripping or falling, such as an uneven staircase or broken sidewalk. A loose or missing handrail on a stairway also needs repair. Children and senior citizens are especially vulnerable. Replace burned out lights or broken fixtures promptly. Bathroom injuries are common, so it’s important to keep showers and bathtubs working properly to prevent scalding or slips. There is also a danger from falling objects, especially furniture and bookcases.
Remove Hazards
Any hazards on your property, inside or out, should be removed. In your yard, exposed tree roots, fallen limbs, and other obstacles can cause people to trip and fall. Stumps can cause unsafe conditions on your property if you don’t have them removed. Chemicals and poisons are also hazardous. In the garage, leftover paint, cleaning solutions, and automotive products should be discarded properly, and any pesticides or weed killers should be locked securely. Inside the house, medications and cleaning products should be placed where children can’t reach them and they can’t be accidentally spilled.
How to Avoid Injuries on Your Property: Put Up a Fence
A fence adds another layer of safety by keeping uninvited and unsupervised guests out of your yard. In many municipalities, it’s required to have a fence if you have a swimming pool or spa, but even a backyard fish pond or fountain can be a drowning hazard for small children. A fence will also keep curious children away from your outdoor playset, lawn furniture, and landscaping.
Dog bites are a common home injury. A fence will not only secure your dog, but it will keep other dogs off your property. Many dog bites are caused when owners try to break up fights between their dog and a strange dog.
As a homeowner, you have a responsibility to keep your property safe and to eliminate or control any potential sources of injury. The best way to accomplish that is to keep up on maintenance and stay aware of possible hazards that might harm you or your guests.
Read this next: How to Make Your Property Healthier for Tenants
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