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/

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