Tag: safety

Essential Safety Items to Keep at Your Lake Home

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

One of the priorities of owning a lake home should be to keep your property and your family safe.

Making safety a priority should be no different than owning or living in a landlocked home. But, because you’re living right on a lake, you’ll need to keep in mind that there are more risks. Especially if you have children.

Here’s a list of some of the most essential safety items that every lake home owner should have on hand:

  • First-Aid Kit – first aid safety kitIt’s surprising how many people don’t have first-aid kits accessible to them in their homes. A first-aid kit should be essential no matter where you live. It will allow you to treat injuries that aren’t severe enough to warrant a trip to the hospital. You can also use the items in your first-aid kit to help provide treatment before heading to the hospital or while waiting for an ambulance. If you have a boat, then you should have a first-aid kit on your boat as well. This is in case any injuries occur while out on the water.
  • Life Vests – Life vests: essential safety itemsLife vests are essential if you own a boat and go out onto the lake, whether occasionally, or on a regular basis.  Wearing a life vest isn’t about your capability as a swimmer.  Even if you are a good swimmer, wearing a life vest while on a boat is absolutely necessary. If you fall into the water (for whatever reason) and are unable to keep yourself afloat, a life vest will save your life. This can be in times where you are unconscious, tired, hurt, or cramping. Life vests are also an absolute must for any children in your family. Not only when they are out on the lake with you, but also while on the pier or by the water’s edge. Especially if your children are younger and have just recently learned how to swim.
  • Battery-Operated Radio – Having a battery-operated radio is a good idea not only as a way to entertain yourself while out on the lake, but also to keep you up-to-date on any weather warnings. This is important and could be useful if your power has gone out during a storm.
  • Battery-Operated Flashlight – Lake homes tend to be in more natural areas where there may not be as much street light as there would be in a suburban home. This means that having a flashlight is a must if you go outdoors at night and don’t have motion sensing exterior light fixtures. Not to mention that if the power goes out, you’ll definitely want a moveable light source when the sun sets.
  • Extra Batteries – There’s nothing more frustrating than having a radio and flashlight to use during a power outage, but no full batteries to use them. Make sure you’re stocked up on extra batteries.
  • Smoke Alarms – Every home should have smoke alarms to warn you and your family of fire. Make sure you have smoke alarms on every level of your house. Also, be sure to change the batteries every 6 months.
  • Carbon Monoxide Detectors – Like smoke alarms, you should also have carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas, representing a potentially deadly threat to home residents.  If carbon monoxide in your home has reached dangerous levels, you won’t realize it until it’s too late.
  • Exterior Lighting – Because it tends to get much darker around the lake than in the city, you should strongly consider investing in better exterior lighting. Consider path lights for your walkway and a motion sensing flood light for your garage area. Motion sensors are energy efficient since they only turn on when someone walks within range. Further meaning you can keep the outside area nice and dark when you’re trying to sleep, but well lit when walking to and from the home’s exterior.
  • List of Emergency Phone Numbers – emergency phone number list for safetyWrite down a detailed list of emergency phone numbers that include the police department, fire department, the hospital, a family doctor, your neighbors, and close friends and family. Speak with your children (if you have any) and instruct them on what to do. How to call, when to call, and which number to call for different emergencies. Make sure you keep the list in a visible and easily accessible location.

Nobody wants to think about danger or harm coming to their family or friends. Often times, we dismiss the possibility of emergencies with a that-wouldn’t-happen-to-me sort of attitude. These are all essential items that you should invest in and have at your lake house. These items will ensure the preparedness and safety of your family and property.

As Shakespeare’s Hamlet so dutifully noted, “the readiness is all.”

Tips for Maintaining Your Lake Home in The Off Season

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

It’s getting to be that time of year when the days are shorter and the shadows are longer. That means it’s time to start planning to seal up and begin maintaining your lake home for the offseason.

This is one of those cases where effort spent in the late summer and early fall will save time and money as the season changes and the temperatures start to drop.

If you’d like making the house maintenance during the off-season a little bit easier, we have several tips that can really simplify maintaining your lakefront home in the winter months:

Continue reading “Tips for Maintaining Your Lake Home in The Off Season”

Tips on How to Deal with Bugs & Insects on the Lake

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips
Woman applying mosquito repellent bug spray next to lake
Photo courtesy of Mamavation.

There are a huge number of advantages to living in a lake house. From the scenic views to the ability to go fishing or swimming whenever you want. However, like every other place in the world, there are always a few drawbacks – even if they are small ones. For example, living on a freshwater lake means that you may have to deal with a few bugs now and again, whether they’re harmless mayflies or those pesky mosquitoes. The following are a few tips on how to deal with bugs and insects (the pesky variety) so that they don’t take away from the amazing lake living experience:

Mosquitoes

Mosquito spray bug repellent

Mosquitoes are easily one of the most irritating bugs to deal with. Odds are you’ve been bitten by a mosquito at least once or twice in your lifetime.

Mosquitoes breed and thrive in an environment that combines standing water, heat, and humidity. These conditions are optimal for them to breed. This means that when summer comes around, odds are you’ll see your share of mosquitoes around the lake.

The following are a few tips to help you deal with those mosquitoes so that they don’t ruin your summer. After all, you’ll want to enjoy those sunsets without swatting at mosquitoes every second.

  • Install ceiling fans – Mosquitoes do not take kindly to breezy environments. If your lake home doesn’t already have ceiling fans, you should consider installing them. Not only will they keep mosquitoes away – they’ll also improve the comfort of your home! If you have a porch or a deck that you enjoy using during the spring or summer seasons, you may want to consider installing a ceiling fan or two out there as well.
  • Install screens – We all like to leave our doors and windows open during the warmer days of the year in order to allow fresh air to circulate throughout the house. However, this is an open invitation to mosquitoes. Install screens so that you can open your home up without letting any mosquitoes or other flying bugs in. You may even want to screen your porch in if you haven’t done so already.
  • Avoid standing water – Yes, your lake home is technically sitting on a huge area of standing water. However, prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs even closer to your home by making sure you don’t leave any form of standing water out in your yard.
  • Add citronella plants to your yard – Mosquitoes can’t stand citronella. You can use citronella candles to help keep mosquitoes at bay as well as put citronella oil on your skin to keep from being bitten. You may even want to plant a few citronella plants in your yard around your home. Even potted citronella plants on your porch can help prevent a mosquito invasion.

Mayflies

Bug spray Young child near flying insects
Photo courtesy of Mamavation.

Okay, so mayflies aren’t nearly as annoying as mosquitoes – mostly because they don’t bite. But, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t a huge nuisance.  After all, nobody wants a cloud of mayflies surrounding their head as they try to enjoy the outdoors.

  • Replace lights – Mayflies are attracted to certain colored-lights. Light bulbs that produce a yellowish color won’t attract mayflies as much. Neither will sodium vapor bulbs. Consider replacing your outdoor light bulbs and turn all outdoor lights off when you turn in for the night. If you prefer to leave lights on for security reasons, consider installing motion-detecting lights that only turn on when motion is detected.
  • Keep the yard clean – Keep the area around your yard clean, keeping the grass trimmed and rid of dead organic matter. This includes leaves and branches which can attract mayflies.

Roaches and Ants

Roaches and ants can be a problem no matter where you live, whether it’s on the lake or in the city. Keep the following tips in mind to help prevent roach or ant infestations:

  • Don’t leave food out – Never leave food out, in or outside your home. This is sure to attract roaches or ants. Always throw away your leftover food in a sealed garbage can, garbage disposal, or put it away in your refrigerator.
  • Seal gaps – Go through your lake home and make sure there are no gaps in your window and door openings. Caulk your windows and add weatherstripping to your doors to eliminate entry points.
  • Keep the area around your home clear – You should have at least a foot of space between your lake home’s exterior and any shrubs, mulch, or trees to help protect against easy entry into your home by insects.

Living on a lake can be an absolutely amazing experience so don’t let the thought of bugs put you off. Following these tips can certainly help to keep your lake home bug-free. For more tips and advice on enjoying your time at the lake, read here.

Must Have Items For Safe Boating

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Family on boatThere are many ways that you can ensure safety as well as enjoyment as a boat operator. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with safety equipment and consider items that will provide comfort while using your vessel.

Always ensure that you have the valid Certificate of Number while the boat is in use. This will allow you to prove registration and ownership should you be approached by law enforcement.

You should also keep on your boat at least one wearable life jacket for each person on board.

The life jackets must be U.S. Coast Guard-approved, which would be indicated on the label. They also must be the appropriate size and type for each person, and in good condition.

A throwable, such as a life ring or flotation cushion, must be kept on board for vessels 16 feet or longer.Flotation device for boat safety

In the case of an emergency, a whistle and an emergency light would be necessary. Emergency lights come in many varieties such as strobe lights that can be attached to the boat, lantern-styles, and utility style for bright, adequate illumination. Distress signals are required for boat use as well. Signals such as an orange distress flag (used by day only), or signal flares.

Another item required to keep on board for safe boating is a fire extinguisher. Although you are surrounded by water, it is still necessary to keep a fire extinguisher handy in case of a fire. Be sure that you have the correct type for your boat, meeting the minimum requirements for the size and type of your vessel.

There are some situations in which you may need to make lots of noise, besides the laughter and fun from passengers on board. In meeting, crossing, or overtaking situations, sound signals are required. This is particularly during times of reduced visibility or while at anchor. You will need to keep at least one sound producing device available, such as a bell, a whistle, air horn, or gong.

To aide in navigation, it is helpful to keep a lake map available for reference. Many boats come equipped with GPS, which is the most convenient way to navigate waters.

But in the absence of GPS, or if it fails for whatever reason, keeping a lake map would ensure efficient navigation. Lake maps also inform of any lake hazards, general configuration, and character of the bottom and will include prominent landmarks and facilities.

Besides safety equipment, there are many things that you can keep on your boat that will ensure comfort and convenience. A VHF Radio would be used for communication and emergency traffic, and an AM-FM radio would be great for your favorite tunes or to catch up on local news.

A compass is a great idea to keep on board, as well. You can purchase a magnetic compass to ensure that your boat is pointed in the right direction at all times.Compass for boat safety

Be sure to always keep a tow line on board, and that it is an efficient length. 75′ is recommended, by at least 1/2″ thick. A small tool kit and spare parts would come in handy should you ever find yourself in a situation that requires repair.

Waterproof flashlights in various sizes and styles can be purchased as well and would be easy to tuck into a small space out of the way. And don’t forget extra batteries!

6 Home Security Tips for Your Lake Home

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Lake homes are a great way to take the break that you deserve from the stresses of daily life. However, when the time comes to return to your main home, instead of feeling rested and rejuvenated, the thought of leaving your second home unattended and vulnerable to problems ranging from burglaries to power surges can be its own source of anxiety.

Here are six simple home security tips that you can take to provide the security necessary for your lake home so that it remains a stress-free retreat.

Make it Look Lived-In (When You’re Not Living In It)

Home Security PanelA dark home with unkempt grass and old mail piling up on the front porch is a sure sign to robbers that your home is unattended. Make it look like somebody is home. You can get some help with this step by asking a neighbor to help look over the house.  MSN Real Estate recommends giving your spare key to a trusted neighbor so that he or she can bring in any mail.

If you plan to live there more frequently, you can request that the US Postal Service office hold your mail while you are away from the lake. Ask your neighbor to periodically water the plants and mow the lawn.  If you have a driveway, suggest that they park their car there at times. Try hosting a BBQ dinner party for them next time you’re in town to make the agreement extra enticing.

Put on a Light Show (When You’re Not There)

A great way to mimic the look of a lived-in home is by using lights.  While The Independent Traveler urges against leaving lights on the entire time, a better way to get a lived-in look is by investing in some timers. Light switch timers will create the natural effect of you periodically turning the lights on and off during the day and at night, even when you’re not around. MSN Real Estate suggests installing motion-sensor lights outside to create a similar effect.

Check Your Windows and Doors (Before You Leave)

Even if your vacation home door is older, there are a couple simple ways that you can make it more secure it up while maintaining a rustic look. Invest in a good lock. MSN Real Estate recommends purchasing a Grade 1 or Grade 2 deadbolt, both of which you can install without the help of a locksmith.

Depending on how old your home is, you may consider replacing your strike plate, as well. Brass strike plates are an affordable replacement option. You can make your windows thief-proof by replacing them with types that cannot open more than six inches.

Once your windows are updated, the final step is to check your curtains.  While it may be tempting to keep them closed while you are away in order to prevent your home from being visible to passersby, The Independent Traveler suggests leaving them open to make it appear that you are at home.  Be sure to store your more valuable items in a windowless room.

Invest in a Temperature Sensor (Sooner Rather Than Later)

During the cold winter months, the potential for pipes to freeze is an added concern. Invest in a temperature sensor alarm system. These range in function, but generally monitor the temperature of your lake home and alert you via phone when abnormal conditions are detected.

Another home security tip The Independent Traveler recommends is that you ask a trusted neighbor to stop by periodically to check that water is running completely in the faucets. Also be sure to show the neighbor how to shut off your water main in the event that the pipe bursts.

Avoid Social Network Updates

As you pack up to leave the cabin, although it may be tempting to share photos online of your most recent waterskiing accomplishments and the new hiking trail that you explored, be wary of how much you say.  Tech-savvy burglars may take the photos and descriptions as an indication that your vacation has come to its conclusion and that your home is about to be unattended.

Unplug Appliances

unsplashA final step you can take is to remember to unplug your appliances, including toasters, computers, printers, televisions, and lamps.  It takes very little time, but will make a huge difference by helping you to avoid future power surges.

With these home security tips, you can rest assured that your lake home will always be a safe haven, even when you’re away.  And despite the monetary cost of making your home more secure, imagine the amount that you will save when you avoid the otherwise daunting effects of a robbery, pipe burst, or power surge.

Now you can look forward to your next vacation as a way to shed unwanted stress and remain relaxed, even when it’s time to leave the lake behind.