Outdoor Ready: West Bend Summer Safety Checklist

The arrival of summer brings summertime traditions. As you embark on your summer vacations, it is important to remember there is no vacation from risks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more emergency room visits occur during the summer months than any other time of the year.

To help prevent or minimize accidents, West Bend Mutual Insurance offers safety tips for consideration when enjoying your favorite seasonal activities:
Boating

· Wear a life jacket at all times while boating.
· Provide an appropriate sized life jacket for each person onboard.
· Stock the boat with water, sunscreen, first aid kit, and snacks.
· Ensure at least one person – in addition to the driver - is familiar with driving the boat.
· Have a spotter to alert the driver of issues if tubing or water skiing.

Fire Pit

· Keep at least 15 feet of clearance between a fire pit and any dwelling.
· Check the weather forecast and avoid strong winds.
· Clear the fire pit area of leaves and other debris.
· Avoid harmful chemicals by selecting the appropriate wood to burn.
· Cool a portable fire pit before moving near a house or garage.

Grilling

· Never move the grill indoors, which includes the garage.
· Keep the grill at least 10 feet from your home, cottage or camper.
· Inspect the hoses for cracks, holes and leaks with a soapy water solution.
· Turn off the gas, open the grill cover, and ventilate before reigniting.

Proactively keeping these tips in mind will help reduce common accidents. West Bend wants to wish you a fun and safe summer. For more tips and easy-to-understand information, please visit www.thesilverlining.com.