Summer’s warm, relaxing days are approaching fast, which means it’s about time for backyard barbecues and lazy afternoons by the pool. But before you fire up the grill and invite everyone over, you’ll want to take the following steps to make your space safer, ensure it’s covered under your homeowners insurance, and minimize your liability.

Check your coverage

In general, a homeowners insurance policy will cover most backyard elements, including a deck, patio, shed, fence, built-in firepit, or in-ground pool. If you have any of these, or plan to add them as part of your summer prep, work with your insurer to verify or obtain proper coverage. Your policy may also cover your landscaping, so if you plan to majorly overhaul it in the coming season, look into getting it protected from perils like lighting, fire, or theft.

If you have or will add a shed, check whether the equipment in it will be covered in the event your structure gets vandalized or damaged, such as from fire or wind. If you feel you may need additional coverage, you could look into getting a personal articles policy, for instance.

You should note that some policies won’t cover damage from neglect, so be sure to regularly maintain your backyard structures and your landscaping. Also, most policies typically don’t cover flood damage; if flooding is a concern, consider purchasing a separate policy through the National Flood Insurance Program.

Protect yourself

Certain popular backyard items, including firepits, trampolines, and pools, can be major accident and liability risks. Before summer arrives, take steps to reduce the chance of an accident, and review your liability coverage with your insurer. Consider taking these precautions:

• Avoid building your firepit close to your home and storing logs and other flammable items close to it. When it’s in use, keep a fire extinguisher, garden hose, or bucket of water on hand in case the fire spreads.
• If you have a kiddie, above-ground, or an in-ground pool, follow all local safety regulations. Also, add a fence that meets local code, surround it with nonslip surfaces to prevent falls, and closely supervise children.
• Enclose a trampoline with a safety net and supervise young children who are bouncing on it.
• When building a tree house, construct it no higher than ten feet above the ground and cover the area beneath it with wood mulch or another soft material.
• Anchor your swing set on level ground, surround it with shredded rubber or another protective covering, and keep a close eye on children using it.

By taking a few precautions, you can help make your backyard a safer place for everyone this summer. Before the season arrives, contact an insurance professional for more guidance and to get the coverage you need.