Top Five Danger Areas Around Your Home

July 17, 2009

Homeowners insurance covers more than just damage to the home itself. It also covers the homeowner against personal liability. Here are the top five areas around the home that can cause liability issues for the homeowner.

Swimming Pool
Drowning is the second leading cause of death for children. For this reason, pools and spas are especially dangerous hazards around your home. Always keep a pool enclosed within a fence with a childproof gate. Keep spas covered when not in use. Never let children swim unattended, even with flotation devices.

The fence around your pool should be at least five feet tall, with openings in the fence material of no more than four inches wide. Be careful that there are no chairs, tables or play equipment that children could use to climb over the fence. Use audible door alarms on any screen doors that access a pool area as well.

Trampoline
The trampoline is another common hazard at home. Both children and adults can suffer sprains and fractures sustained while jumping on a trampoline. Serious injuries leading to paralysis or death can happen when someone steps through the springs at the rim or lands on the ground after jumping.

It is best not to own a trampoline at all, but if you insist, be sure to take precautions by using safety devices. Some common trampoline safety devices include safety pads to prevent stepping through the springs, trampoline covers so no one can jump without permission and trampoline cages to keep jumpers from landing outside the trampoline surface.

Yard
The yard is home to many potential liability hazards. Dog bites are the most common, especially with certain dog breeds. Be sure to keep your dog in a secured pen or inside the house when you are away.

Another common source of liability is falling trees. If a clearly rotted tree falls on a neighbor’s property, as the homeowner, it becomes your fault. You do not need to worry about healthy trees that fall because they are not your responsibility. It is only when the tree was an obvious danger that homeowners are liable.

Stairs
Injuries often occur at home on outdoor stairs, especially during inclement weather. When snow melts from the roof and drips onto stairs, it is your responsibility to be sure the area remains safe by using sand and rock salt. You must also ensure that there is adequate lighting and that the stairs are properly maintained. Check your stair railings regularly and be sure they are secure. Also, inspect treads and replace rotten boards as soon as you notice them.

Play Rooms
The most heartbreaking injuries occur in playrooms. Your children's playmates are susceptible to the same injuries that can harm your children. But you can be sued for injuries to other children. Never let guests less than three years old play with your older child's toys with small parts. Tie up curtain cords so small hands cannot reach them. Finally, never trust that a screen will keep a child from falling out a window. Keep windows closed and locked or install safety bars.

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