3 Summer Safety Musts Before the First Sleepover
With summer in full swing, now's a good time to take stock of just how safe your home is for guests, especially when little ones are involved. Whether it's the in-laws or the third playdate of the week, it's worth making sure everyone is safe. Here are a few tips and projects that can help get your home ready for little ones.
Secure Firearms and Other Sensitive Items
One of the most critical steps in home safety is locking up sensitive
items. Gun safety isn't just for gun owners with kids; keeping firearms
out of sight and secure is a smart move in any household. For this
reason, a gun safe is vital. There are plenty of options available, with
different security ratings. You can also find hidden safes.
Additionally, a gun safe is handy for securing valuable and sometimes
fragile items that you might not want kids to accidentally encounter.
Tidy Up the Garage
You never know where curious little feet will wander, especially in tool-heavy spaces like the garage. That's why tool storage is a key part of any kid-proofing plan.
Start by clearing out clutter and organizing it into tool cabinets. The
best home repair stores offer cabinets in all shapes and sizes, perfect
for keeping saws, drills, and hammers out of reach, along with
materials like screws and nails. Opting for wall-mounted tool cabinets
with locks is a great deterrent for little hands and keeps your tools
secure.
Safer Spaces Start Outside
Chances are, your kids and their friends will spend a ton of time
outside this summer, so it’s important that your backyard area is as
safe as possible. Make sure there aren’t any hazards like holes, low
tree limbs, or other obstacles. If you have a pool, ensure everyone
understands poolside safety and install safety barricades if necessary.
If you have a deck, consider replacing the planks with deck boards composite
instead of wood. They're built to last and are easy on bare feet.
Composite boards combine wood and plastic polymer for a low-maintenance,
long-lasting alternative to standard planks. You'll get that classic
wood look without the hassle. Treated for durability, these boards
resist warping, splintering, and slipping, making your outdoor space
safer and more summer-ready.
Minor upgrades like these can make a big difference and lead to a summer full of better, safer memories.
One Last Check
Before the summer fun kicks off, take a walk around your spaces. Check
for loose boards, unsecured tools, or any areas that could use a quick
fix. A little prep now means fewer surprises later, and more time to
enjoy the season with peace of mind. So cover those outlets, tuck those
cords, and put the tools away so the kids can play.
About Menards®
Whether
breathing new life into your home with a fresh coat of paint or
renovating your backyard deck, you can trust Menards® for quality
service and products to bring your ideas to life. Menards® is every
fixer-upper, do-it-yourselfer, and remodeler’s one-stop home improvement
shop. With high-quality tools, materials, and supplies to transform the
inside and outside of your home, Menards® can help you turn your DIY
ideas into successful home improvement projects. You can find everything
you need to improve, organize, and protect your home, from electric hot
water heaters to tool storage and locks to a gun safe on sale.
With over 300 locations across the Midwest, from West Virginia to
Wyoming, you can find friendly store associates ready to help you
brainstorm new projects, answer questions, and Save Big Money at
Menards®.
Find everything you need for safer, smarter summer projects at https://www.menards.com/