let ozzy worry about home-security while you enjoy the summer.
School’s out! The bell has rung, the block party music is blaring, your vacations are booked, and while you’re getting ready to have the summer of your life, I’m on high alert.
Don’t get me wrong, I love summer! But I’d be fired if I wasn’t on top of my game during pool season.
The other day I heard the sounds of kids laughing and music playing, and (sniff, sniff), I could smell the sweet aroma of burgers cookin’. One of the neighbors was celebrating their 40th birthday with a big bash – a bunch of families gathering around the pool.
There’s nothing like a backyard BBQ!
But I was on edge the whole time. Because I’m wired to know this: roughly 23% of child drownings occur during family gatherings near pools, and children under one year old are at higher risk of drowning at home.
It’s something that is always at the forefront of my mind, and I’m on the lookout every time I’m near a pool.
Some of the things I know, I wish I didn’t…but it’s my job to know these things and to do everything in my power to prevent them from happening. Don’t believe me? Check out this recent post by the CPSC.
So, when I’m not around…
Here are 5 things you can do to protect your family from the hidden dangers of your home this summer:
1. Check Your CO2 Detectors, Fire Extinguishers, Smoke Alarms & Security Systems.
Why? There were over 374,000 in-house fires in 2022, and CO2 poisoning is the leading cause of poisoning death in the United States.
2. Install floodlights around the perimeter of your home to dissuade intruders.
Why? On average, 3,062 burglaries happen in the U.S. every day. There were 386,489 home burglaries in 2022 alone.
3. Install an extra lock out of reach of your children for your patio doors and gates that access your pool.
Why? 4,500 people drowned each year in the United States from 2020–2022. For children younger than 5, 87% of drowning fatalities happen in home pools or hot tubs. Most take place in pools owned by family, friends or relatives.
4. Purchase a life alert and panic button in case of an emergency when you’re alone.
Why? On average, 1,800 older adults die from falls each year, and 1.5 million are treated in emergency departments for injuries.
5. Consider getting an extra flood-alert system for when you’re away on vacation.
Why? In 2022 37% of homeowners suffered a loss due to water damage.
Whether you’re away from your home on vacation, or tucking your family in each night, add these tasks to your summer checklist to ensure you’re protected.
Let it be known that I am making it my life’s mission to change that, and to help keep everyone on my block, and on this planet safe.
Wait…Sniff, sniff. I just got a whiff of hot dogs. Gotta go! WAGS! (Wishing A Great Summer).
Until next time…stay safe out there!
🐾 Ozzy
Sources:
1) CPSC.GOV
2) National Drowning Prevention Alliance
3) US Fire Administration
4) Penn Medicine
5) Statista
6) cdc.gov
7) redcross.org
8) agesafeamerica.org
9) Insurance Information Institute
