Summer is upon us and it’s time to prep that house for what is coming. While fun in the sun is on the agenda this summer, Florida has a reputation for packing a punch with bugs, heat and storms that can quickly put a damper on those beach days without proper planning! Here are some ways to get your home ready for a Florida Summer.
Clean Gutters
Florida summers can be extremely rainy and with the downfall of raindrops comes leaves and debris that can clog gutters. Cleaning them out prior to the rainy season allows for the water to flow freely through the water spouts without getting clogged.
Spray Yard for Mosquitos
According to the Centers for Disease Control, “The most common mosquito- borne disease in the continental United States is West Nile Virus (WNV). On average, there are 2,400 reported cases each year.” With heavy summer rains, mosquitos can populate quickly, so it’s important to get your yard sprayed regularly for mosquitos and other pests.
Check Your HVAC System
There is nothing worse than realizing your AC has gone out in your home during the summer. Make sure you change out air filters regularly, check for leaks in hoses and clean around the unit outside and have your unit serviced regularly.
Pool Safety Check
During 2018-2019, the CDC reported that “the greatest percentage of such deaths [unintentional drowning deaths] among children aged 1–4 and 5–13 occurred in swimming pools (59% and 46%, respectively).” It is vital to make sure that pool drains are properly working, pool screens are void of holds or broken locks and that doors leading into the pool are able to be secured with locks that are out of reach of small children. All children should be supervised while around pools.
Change Ceiling Fan Direction to Counterclockwise
Did you know that the direction of the blades can make it feel cooler or warmer in your house? The Home Depot suggests, “In summer and hotter months, your ceiling fan blades should rotate counterclockwise. When fan blades turn counterclockwise, they push cooler air down in a column. This creates a ‘wind chill’ effect. To maximize this effect, run your fan at its highest speed.”
Other safety measures to do at home during the summer!
1. Never drink/touch water that comes directly out of a hose before letting it run for 1 minute. The water sitting in the hose has been baking in the sun and is extremely hot!
2. Empty water tables and little kiddie pools at the end of each day. This will cut down on algae growth and other animals entering for a swim or play time.
3. Create a hurricane readiness kit and plan for your family. June 1 is the first day of hurricane season!
4. Never leave food outside too long that can spoil and cause food poisoning. Egg, mayonnaise, dairy and meat-based items are prone to spoiling fast. Even freshly brewed iced tea can start to grow bacteria if left outside in heat too long. When in doubt, don’t leave out!