Backyard safety tips

Backyard season is upon us! As the days get longer, your outdoor space becomes a hub for get-togethers and relaxation. But while there's lots of fun to have, it can also be full of hidden hazards like fire pits, fuel, heights and playground equipment that can turn a sunny afternoon into an emergency.

To ensure you and your family have loads of summer fun without the hazards, this guide will walk you through safety steps, practical checklists and how your home insurance's liability policy functions. Key takeaways:

• Check your local bylaws for open-air fire and fire pit usage during the summer.
• BBQ safety: Perform seasonal leak tests and maintain at least 3metres of clearance from structures on your property.
• Decks: Inspect the ledgers, fasteners and railings. Ensure railing is at least 36 inches in height with no more than 4 inches between each vertical railing gap.
• Pools: Compliant bylaw fencing around your pool is required. Young children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
• Trampolines: The Canadian Pediatric Society recommends practicing trampoline safety tips.
• Consider liability/umbrella coverage if your backyard has high-risk features.

Fire pits and outdoor heaters

Fire pits are a great way to enjoy your backyard, socialize and cook up some tasty treats. But a few precautions can make a world of difference when it comes to safety. Check your municipal burn bans and permit requirements before use. Here’s what you need to know:

• In Canada, fire pits must be at least 3 metres away from your house, property lines and combustible materials.
• Keep children a safe distance from your fire pit to prevent injuries.
• Place your fire pit on a non-combustible, level base away from any eaves, trees and dry vegetation.
• Keep a bucket of water or an ABC-rated fire extinguisher nearby.
• Store firewood in a dry and covered area.
• Propane should be stored upright, outside and at least 1 metre away from ignition sources.

Should a fire occur on your property, you may have coverage under your home insurance plan, provided that the damage is accidental. Make sure to document precautions with photos and videos in case you need to file a claim.

Gas and charcoal BBQs

BBQs are a staple for Canadians, but mishandling fuel can be dangerous. Follow these barbecue tips to ensure your barbecue is ready to be fired up for the season:

• Leak test: Perform a spring leak test using soapy water on all hoses, regulators and connections. Any bubbles will indicate a leak. Shut off the cylinder and repair accordingly.
• Keep gas and charcoal grills outdoors only. They should be at least 3 metres away from your doors, windows, intakes and never under overhangs. Maintain a least 1 metre of clearance around any combustible chemicals or items.
• Open the lid before lighting. Keep young kids and pets away and never leave them unattended. Clean your grease trays often. For charcoal BBQs, use a chimney starter only and allow the ashes to cool for 48 hours before disposing of them in a metal container.

Fire and smoke damage is typically covered by home insurance policies. However, negligence, like unattended or improperly maintained grills, can affect your claim.

Deck safety and structural checks

Decks should be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure the deck is structurally sound and safe. A faulty deck can have harmful and even fatal consequences. Here’s what you can do to maintain deck safety:

• Inspect ledger boards and flashing, as they can commonly fail as they age. Look for wood rot and loose or missing bolts.
• Check posts, joists and fasteners for corrosion, splitting or soft wood. Tighten and replace any rusted hardware.
• Rails and balusters should be durable. Gaps should be no larger than 4 inches to prevent young children from slipping through.
• Distribute heavy planters, furniture and other objects evenly. Keep grills and heaters away from your railings.

Pools and hot tubs

According to , in 2020, 44% of those who died from drowning in swimming pools were children 1 to 9 years old. Pool regulations are primarily regulated by municipal governments. However, common rules you'll find across municipalities include:

• Installing a fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate.
• Ensuring children younger than 12 are supervised by a responsible adult at all times.
• At all times, there should be at least one buoyant throwing aid with a rope attached to it, poolside.
• Hot tubs should be no hotter than 40 °C or approximately 38.9 °C for pregnant individuals.
• Do not allow glass items around the pool.
• Ensure chemicals used are secured away from children. Follow the Government of Canada's pool chemical requirements.

Note that pools and hot tubs may require higher liability limits and separate pool insurance.

Trampoline and play equipment

The Canada Safety Counci l states that children in the 5 to 14 age range are most likely to injure themselves on a trampoline. However, with these safety protections in place, you can avoid injuries and ensure kids enjoy themselves:

• Make sure the trampoline equipment is safe and meets ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) requirements.
• Enforce one jumper at a time rule.
• Ensure children are supervised by an adult at all times.
• No flips or somersaults.
• Routine inspections are a must.
• Anchor all swing sets, inspect hardware and provide soft fall zones under climbing equipment.

Host and liability quick guide

Having a safe backyard ensures you, your family and your guests are safe, which means there’s less likelihood of an incident or accident occurring where you could be held personally liable.

As a host, you must ensure your property is safe in terms of the physical conditions, the guests invited and the activities that take place. In other words, as a host, you have a duty of care towards guests you invite to your home. Safety tips for your backyard include:

• Set house rules for small children
• Secure poisonous chemicals
• Consider a personal umbrella policy to increase your liability limits by $1 to $5 million if you host people in your backyard often

Emergency and first aid basics

Emergency and first aid basics include the following:

• Fires: Call 911, use an extinguisher if you are trained to do so, and if you can safely put out the fire.
• Electric shock/water: Cut electrical power to your home. Do not touch the body. Call 911 immediately.
• Encourage smart CPR and first-aid practices in your home.

The bottom line

Are your liability limits high enough to protect your home, finances and personal interests if an accident occurs on your property? Whether you’re hosting backyard barbecues, welcoming guests to the cottage or enjoying time by the pool, the right coverage can help protect you from unexpected costs. Contact a BrokerLink advisor today to review your current policies, identify possible coverage gaps and help ensure you can enjoy the summertime with greater peace of mind.

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FAQs on backyard safety tips

How far from the house should a BBQ be?

BBQs should be no less than 3 metres away from your home or other structures.

Do I need a pool fence?

Rules vary between municipalities. However, most require safety guards and fences around all pools.

Are trampolines covered by home insurance?

Policies can vary between providers. Speak with your broker for further details.

Can I use a fire pit anytime?

No. You must follow active burn bans in your area, depending on the time of year.

If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.