The summer is a time for families to get together and enjoy some fun in the sun. With a few holidays in-between, there are a plethora of ideas to get some quality time in before the start of a new school year and latter half of the working year.

We want you to have a fun, and primarily safe, summer filled with family moments that will be remembered forever. No matter what you do, you can enjoy it all confidently knowing that Westwood has an insurance policy that covers nearly every type of vehicle, property, event and more.

Here’s how you can have that and more with these 10 tips.

At Home

Westwood already provides quality homeowners insurance, so having some fun in the friendly confines of your own space comes with protection that you know about, and some that you may not know about.

1. Inspect and clean your grill

Before you call friends and family for your next barbecue extravaganza, inspect and clean your grill if it’s the first time you are using it in over a year. If it’s charcoal, remove any old briquettes, vacuum or dust away any leftover ash, and clean the grates and vent to prevent flare ups. If you have a propane grill, check your connections and refill your tank if necessary. Also, it’s a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher handy.

2. Keep your grill area clean

Keeping with the grill, take great care in how you handle your accessories and food when cooking to eliminate the threat of any foodborne illnesses. Use corresponding utensils, bowls and any other food prep necessary when handling any proteins, along with washing your hands regularly and sanitizing your prep area.

3.  Maintain and clear your yard

To set the stage for a gathering, take a weekend and make sure your lawn is in good shape and free of any debris. If you’re thinking about a party, or even a wedding reception, Westwood has event insurance specifically for these types of occasions.

4. Have an abundance of fluids

We know you’re hearing a lot about El Nino and the weather, and one important aspect is high heat temperatures. If you, family and friends are outside for prolonged periods, drink plenty of fluids and have drinks on ice ready to go for any parties or get-togethers. .

5. Stay safe by, and in, the pool

Pools are a great way to cool off during the hottest part of the summer. When in use, have someone supervise all activities in case of emergency. There are other tips around pool safety you can find in a previous story we did here. Pools also come with extra liability risk, so consider an umbrella policy though Westwood.

On the Road

Westwood has insurance that keeps you covered even when you’re not at home. From going down the street, across the country or even abroad, we have products that can go with you

6. Tune up your wheels

Using any on or off-road vehicles should first start with any required maintenance before hitting the road. Whether it’s taking a spin in an RV, riding through the woods on an ATV or biking near the lake, it’s always a good idea to make sure your preferred method of transportation is in good shape, with insurance from Westwood for all three. And, when necessary, always wear proper safety equipment.

7. Stay safe out on the water

If you have a boat, make sure you have life jackets, rafts or any other safety measures just in case you need it for all of your passengers when out on the water. Tack on boat insurance for even more protection for you and your crew.

8.  Never play around with fireworks

Need we say more?

9. Spray it on

Spending time in the sun can be enjoyable and can be painful if sunscreen isn’t applied beforehand. Keep sunburns at bay by applying the appropriate level of sun block before heading outside to avoid damage to the skin or worse. This also goes for mosquito or bug repellant as well if you happen to do any nature trekking.

10. Making copies

Take a photo using your phone of any important travel documents you may be taking with you on a trip. Having a digital copy can save you in a pinch should you lose a driver’s license or passport and need to show identification anywhere.

Get a quote in minutes and see how Westwood provides insurance with you in mind.

Please Note: This article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not represent any specific insurance policy and does not modify any provisions, limitations, or exclusions of any current policy.