Celebrate Smart: Summer Safety and Insurance Planning
Summer in New England is just around the corner! Here in Merrimack, NH, and across the region, we’re eagerly anticipating warmer weather, vibrant festivals, bustling tourism, outdoor dining, and long-awaited vacations. Whether you’re planning a personal getaway, hosting backyard gatherings, or ramping up your business for the peak season, integrating smart planning with your excitement is key. Celebrating smart involves prioritizing safety and ensuring you have the right insurance protection in place – for yourself, your family, your home, and your business.
This guide covers essential summer safety tips for everyone, liability considerations for business owners, and travel insurance options for individuals.
Summer Safety Essentials for Everyone in New England
These fundamental safety practices apply whether you’re at home, on vacation, or enjoying local activities:
- Sun Protection – Essential Under the New England Sky
The Risk: New England summer sun can be intense, especially near water or at higher elevations. Sunburn is uncomfortable, but prolonged exposure increases the risk of long-term skin damage.
Smart Steps:
– Sunscreen: Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply generously 15-30 minutes before going out and reapply every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating.
– Protective Gear: Wear wide-brimmed hats, UV-blocking sunglasses, and lightweight, tightly woven clothing.
– Seek Shade: Especially during peak sun hours (typically 10 AM – 4 PM).
– Hydrate: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. - Water Safety – Oceans, Lakes, and Pools
The Risk: Drowning is a serious risk, especially for children. New England offers diverse water environments – ocean coastlines with potential rip currents, numerous lakes popular for boating, and backyard pools.
Smart Steps:
– Supervision: Never leave children unattended near water, even for a moment. Designate a responsible “Water Watcher.”
– Swim Smart: Swim in designated areas, preferably with lifeguards. Understand local conditions – check surf reports for rip currents on the coast or weather forecasts before boating on lakes like Winnipesaukee.
– Life Jackets: Use properly fitting life jackets for boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and for weak or inexperienced swimmers. New Hampshire and surrounding states have specific laws regarding life jacket use on boats – know them!
– Avoid Alcohol: Impaired judgment significantly increases water-related risks. - Home Security While You’re Away
The Risk: An empty house can be a target for burglars, especially during peak vacation seasons.
Smart Steps:
– Lock Up: Double-check that all doors (including garage and shed) and windows are securely locked.
– Create Illusion of Occupancy: Use timers for lights, radios, or TVs.
– Manage Mail & Deliveries: Stop mail/newspaper delivery or ask a trusted neighbor to collect them daily. Packages left on doorsteps are clear signals you’re away.
– Inform a Neighbor: Let a trusted neighbor know your travel dates and provide contact information. Ask them to keep an eye out.
– Social Media Silence: Avoid posting your vacation plans or real-time updates until you return.
– Secure Outdoor Items: Don’t forget grills, lawn furniture, bikes, and tools – lock them away if possible.
Smart Planning for New England Business Owners: Summer Liability
Summer often means increased foot traffic, outdoor expansions, special events, and seasonal staff – all of which can increase liability risks for your business.
- The Increased Exposure: More people enjoying patios, attending festivals you participate in, renting equipment (kayaks, bikes), or simply visiting your establishment means more potential for accidents like slips, falls, or other injuries. Hosting events like company picnics or community BBQs also carries inherent risks.
- Why Liability Insurance is Crucial: General Liability insurance protects your business from claims of bodily injury or property damage occurring on your premises or resulting from your operations. Special Event Insurance might be needed for specific, larger-scale summer happenings.
- Key Summer Considerations:
- Outdoor Spaces: Ensure patios, walkways, and event areas are well-maintained and free of hazards.
- Events: If hosting or sponsoring events, review your coverage. Do you need additional insured certificates? Is alcohol being served (requiring Liquor Liability)?
- Seasonal Activities/Rentals: If offering summer-specific services or rentals, ensure your policy covers these activities.
- Staffing: Confirm your Workers’ Compensation is up-to-date, and your liability policy adequately covers actions of temporary/seasonal staff.
ACTION STEPS: Contact your insurance agent before the busy season hits. Review your current business insurance policy limits and discuss any planned summer activities, events, or expansions to ensure you have adequate protection.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Planning that well-deserved summer vacation? Whether heading to the Maine coast, exploring Canada, or flying internationally from Boston Logan, consider travel insurance.
- Protect Your Investment: Covers trip cancellation or interruption for covered reasons (illness, family emergency, sometimes severe weather like late-season hurricanes impacting flights or destinations). It can reimburse non-refundable trip costs.
- Handle Medical Emergencies: Your standard health insurance might offer limited or no coverage outside your network or abroad. Travel medical insurance is vital for covering unexpected medical/dental emergencies during your trip.
- Mitigate Travel Hassles: Provides benefits for lost/delayed baggage and travel delays, helping cover unexpected costs for essentials or accommodation.
- Choosing a Policy: Compare options based on your trip’s cost, destination, duration, and planned activities. Read the details on coverage limits, exclusions, and deductibles. Decide between single-trip or annual plans if you travel often. Consider adding an umbrella policy for extra liability coverage.
Enjoy Your New England Summer with Peace of Mind
Proactive safety measures significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents, while the right insurance provides a crucial financial safety net for the unexpected – whether that’s a personal travel mishap or a liability claim against your business. Before summer fully kicks off, take time to:
- Implement safety practices at home and work
- Review your existing insurance policies (home, auto, business)
- Secure appropriate travel or event-specific insurance as needed
Summer is a time for making memories. By incorporating these safety practices into your routine and considering the right insurance protection for your plans, you can minimize risks and handle unexpected bumps with greater ease. Celebrate smart this summer, stay safe, and enjoy all the beauty and fun New England has to offer!
*Did You Know… Slawby also offers Wedding & Special Event Insurance
We’re here to help you through all your special summer moments!
