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Even while you’re staying home this summer, it’s important to take the proper steps to stay safe. Pools, ATVs, and trampolines need to be used properly. Here are some precautions you can take, including purchasing the appropriate homeowners insurance policy.

How Precautions & Insurance Can Keep You Safe This Summer

1. Pools

Children should never be left unattended near water. Designate one parent to be the “water watcher” while kids are in or near the pool. Also, all pools should have fences around them, even inflatable ones. Even kiddie pools need to be approached with caution, as young children can drown in less than two inches of water.

It’s important to purchase the right homeowners insurance policy if you want to have a pool or check the documents of your insurance policy before you build one. You may need to add additional coverage for your pool since most policies define it as a “Other Structure”  if it’s an in-ground, or under “Personal Property-Contents”  if it’s an above ground type. Liability issues are a concern too. It’s important to keep your family and others around you safe from injury in your pool. Most insurance companies have security requirements such as fencing, and/or locked gates. You should check with your agent before making a major investment to make sure your installation is acceptable. 

2. ATVs

homeowners insuranceIf you have a large property where you can drive an ATV, you need to be careful while driving, especially if there are young children around. Always wear DOT-compliant helmets, goggles, and gloves, in addition to long sleeves and pants. Never ride on paved roads except to cross, as another vehicle could hit you. Also, don’t carry a passenger on a single-rider ATV. If you want to take a child or other passenger on your vehicle, buy a two-person ATV. Some states require ATVs to be registered like motor vehicles, and that may require them to have their own separate liability policies apart from homeowners policies. This is especially true if the ATV will be operated away from your home premise. Also remember most, if not all homeowners insurance policies, ATVs are NOT automatically covered—you have to purchase coverage especially designed for them. 

3. Trampolines

Trampolines are a fun activity for children and adults alike, but they can be dangerous if not utilized properly. First, check your homeowners insurance to determine if you’re allowed to have a trampoline in the first place, as some policies prohibit it. Read your policy or talk to an insurance agent. 

Don’t let children under five jump on the trampoline and don’t let more than one person bounce at the same time. Children should always be supervised and consider erecting a fence or net around the structure. Prohibit stunts and backflips and teach your children how to exit the trampoline safely without bouncing.


If you need a new homeowners insurance policy, call the experts at Simmons Insurance Group of Southeastern Ohio. They have convenient locations in Coolville, Belpre, and Racine, OH, and they’ve been serving homeowners since 1970. Every agent is licensed and can help you bundle your policies to get the best deals on all insurance types, including automotive, life, motorcycle, and health. Visit their website for more information about homeowners policies or call (740) 667-3111 to talk to an agent.

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