Some ways to help make your home safe for the vacation season

Guest season is almost here. Before guests begin checking in and enjoying the warm weather, we recommend focusing on ensuring the safety of your home.

1. Inspect your deck

Your deck is the centerpiece of outdoor guest activities. If it’s just been a while, we recommended that you have your deck and railing inspected for damage.

You can also double check that it meets height requirements and local safety guidelines and regulations.

 2. Ensure your grill is fireproof

If you have a grill or fire pit, let guests know where to find a fire extinguisher and
post any maintenance guidelines close to the item. For grills: 

• Place at a safe distance from your home, deck, and trees or bushes
• Clean the grill between guest stays and provide grilling tools 
• For a gas grill, check the hose for leaks before allowing guests access 
• Consider posting grill-specific house rules, such as: 
  • Keep children at a safe distance 
  • Don’t leave grill unattended
  • Only use grill outdoors
   

3. Display the location of A/C or fan controls

In the heat of tropic, make sure guests know how to operate your cooling system. If you don’t have central air conditioning or window units, consider providing small floor fans. You can add all of these details into the property description of your listing.

We also recommend providing it to guests shortly after they confirm their bookings.

4. Trim overgrowth

Try to remove any overgrowth in your yard or landscaping to limit the chance of trips and falls. For guests with small children, this is especially important around decks, pool areas, or roads.

Along the way, check for insect nests, such as wasps or bees.    

5. Secure your pool or hot tub

Protect your water recreation areas with readily accessible ladders and safety flotation devices. Ensure that you are storing chemical-balancing and pool-cleaning materials securely and at appropriate temperatures.

And when it comes to pool fences, follow local rules and regulations.

 6. Consider following enhanced cleaning guidelines

 We recommend reviewing our enhanced cleaning and safety guidelines to help prevent the spread of infection. 

 If you have a lot of time between guests and then you may want to focus on preventing legionnaire’s disease. Ensure water systems are being periodically checked, cleaned and disinfection. In addition, prevent water stagnation by running taps and showers at least once a week.

7. Monitor any gas appliances

Gas appliances are common features in vacation rentals. They provide hot water, and fuel to cook. However, gas appliances also present a safety risk.  These include carbon monoxide poisoning or gas leaks that can cause fire or explosion.  

Here are a few ways to improve your gas safety standards: 

• Install and regularly test carbon monoxide alarms  
• Ensure appliances have been installed and regularly serviced by a qualified gas engineer 
• We recommend replacing gas with energy sources such as electric or solar to reduce risk. Please consult with a Professional engineer before making changes. 

Your dedication to providing an exceptional vacation experience will continue to ensure guests can simply check in and enjoy themselves.