Contact:
Karl Newman, President     
Darrin Sanger, Communications Director
NW Insurance Council    
Phone: (206) 624-3330
Fax: (206) 624-1975
karl.newman@nwinsurance.org
darrin.sanger@nwinsurance.org

SEATTLE -- After the long rainy season, Puget Sound kids are anxious to play outside in the summer sunshine.  Adults, too, are eager to groom their yards for outdoor enjoyment.  But according to local insurance professionals, many people get in the swing of summer without enough focus on safety.

Randy Mc Donald, of Mc Donald Insurance in Everett, says that household claims increase when Pacific Northwest sun-filled days kick in.  “Over the years, it’s clear to me that people are so ready to enjoy our temperate summer that they are ignoring simple things that could prevent injury and property loss.” 

Karl Newman, president of the NW Insurance Council agrees.  “Getting your yard in shape shouldn’t be the reason for a trip to the hospital or an unplanned visit from your insurance adjustor.  A healthy dose of caution – knowing what to do and what to avoid – will make sure you get to enjoy the results of your hard work.” 

NW Insurance Council provides the following list of things to keep in mind this summer. 

1.     Be sure yard tools are picked up when not in use – a rake left in a yard can be a cause for sudden injury if someone steps on it.

2.     Be sure the grass is cut so that hazards are visible – for example, is there an unfenced drop-off in the yard that could cause someone to turn an ankle or trip and fall?

3.     Are the outdoor toys and furniture in disrepair?  If so, repair or replace them. 

4.     Be sure that fertilizers, weed and bug killers, plant seeds and car wash chemicals are kept in their proper place.

5.     Over the winter, decks, steps and walkways can deteriorate, so be sure there is no rot on wood decking, and no holes, loose boards or nails that could cause injury.

6.     Make sure that outdoor areas dry properly so that they do not become slippery.  A non-skid treatment on steps, for example, can greatly limit slippery conditions on wood surfaces.

7.     Dog bite cases increase in summer when dogs are outside more frequently.  Be sure that pets are kept away from neighbors, particularly kids who are running through yards while playing.  Careful attention to this can prevent injuries and insurance/ legal problems.

With summer barbecues on the horizon, many people will have guests who are unfamiliar with the host’s backyard. 

“Sometimes people are surprised to learn that if they invite or allow someone onto their property, it’s their responsibility to point out hazards,.” Mc Donald said.  “If they don’t, they may be liable for injuries caused by those hazards.

Common sense and some attention to detail can keep the Pacific Northwest summer blissfully enjoyable.  Mc Donald emphasized the benefit of following these additional tips for outdoor recreation safety:

1.               Jet-skis operated by inexperienced riders can lead to serious accidents.  Always operate watercraft with experienced adult supervision.

2.               All water activities should be enjoyed with the proper use of life jackets.

3.               Swimming pools and trampolines attract children who may not have the skills to use them.  Six-foot high fences with locking gates are recommended safeguards.

4.               Be sure to insist that kids wear helmets when riding bicycles.  Elbow and kneepads are also encouraged for scooters, skates and skateboards. 

5.               Emphasize All Terrain Vehicles with cages, rather than open-air models.  Cages have been shown to reduce or prevent serious injuries.

“We’re looking forward to a safe and fun-filled summer,” Newman added.  “Following these tips can help make that happen.”

NW Insurance Council was established in 1968 as a non-profit consumer education and information organization funded by member insurance companies.

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