We know you do everything you can to keep your vacation rental home safe, especially if renters have small children or adventurous pets. You’ve tied up the drawstrings on your blinds, placed non-slip grips on the shower floor, secured your cleaning liquids in an upper cabinet, and changed the batteries in the smoke detector, so everything checks out as safe, right? Well, not necessarily.
There will always be hazards anywhere you go, so no rental home will ever be completely safe, but here are a few common household hazards that are easy to miss, and easy to fix.
TRASH CANS
A trash can that closes well is important to keep curious noses and little hands from digging into rubbish that could contain a multitude of hazards. Items like broken glass, toxic substances, and spoiled food can still pose a threat, even when they’re in the trash can. So, forego the cheap flip lids on trash cans in your rental home and purchase a lid that closes well enough to keep curious kids and dogs out.
BROKEN GARAGE DOOR
Electronic garage doors are made to sense objects (or people!) underneath them and retract to keep injuries from occurring. Like all electronic things, garage doors on vacation rental homes experience malfunctions and breakdowns which, in this case, can be harmful or even deadly.
If the garage door on your rental home starts acting funny or experiences damage, call a professional to come to service it for you. An important fix of this magnitude shouldn’t be left up.
WINDOW SCREENS
Those living in your vacation rental home may want to throw the windows open with abandon when the weather outside is irresistible! We get it, but don’t think that a child is safe just because the window has a screen. The small, transparent frame that keeps bugs from getting in isn’t enough to catch the weight of a falling person or someone who was pushed. Make sure the windows on the upper floors of your rental home have bars.
TREADMILLS
Treadmills can easily be one of the most dangerous items in your rental home for both children and adults if they aren’t operated with care. Falls on a treadmill can result in traction burns, broken bones, pinched skin and snagged clothing, and more.
Every treadmill should come with an attached safety magnet to be worn during workouts. Make sure every user wears the clip, and turn on the safety switch or unplug the treadmill when it isn’t in use.
ELECTRONIC APPLIANCES
From blow dryers to microwaves, electronic appliances in your rental home have the ability to malfunction and cause fires or electrocution. Always pay attention to any unusual display messages on your appliances, and carefully follow instructions for proper use.
If you know renters will be running many outlets at once, invest in a surge protector to protect both them and the appliances.
DON’T FORGET HOME INSURANCE
No matter what happens in your vacation rental home, a good insurance policy with the correct liability coverage will always have your back. Independent agents have the ability to shop multiple carriers for good policies that fit your unique risks and budget.
So, if you don’t have your rental home insurance policy yet, get in touch with your independent agent to find the right coverage for you. Contact Ownby Insurance Service at 865.453.1414 and we will be happy to answer your questions.