Summer is officially here and while it brings lots of outdoor activities and fun, it also presents a number of risks. Here are some tips to keep your resident’s safe.
Pool Safety
- The area around the pool must be secured by a fence that is at least 4 feet high. The gate should be self-closing and self-locking.
- Establish and enforce rules. Make sure there is proper signage for pool safety and rules of the pool, such as no running or diving, to minimize the risk of injuries.
- Hire a lifeguard to monitor the pool. If you chose to forego a lifeguard, have residents sign a waiver that states parents/guardians are responsible for monitoring their children at the pool area.
Barbeque Grilling Requirements
- Any outdoor grill should be at least 10 feet away from anything that could potentially catch fire.
- Whenever using a grill, a fire extinguisher must be readily available.
- Propane and charcoal grills should not be allowed in residential buildings, due to the storage of the gas tank and the hot coals. Most often, an electric grill is the way go when grilling on an apartment balcony.
Balcony Maintenance
- Inspect concrete balconies for cracks. Any size crack will allow water to penetrate into the concrete. As the temperature drops and the water freezes, the ice will expand in the concrete. This will result in even more cracks in the concrete.
- Check the balcony for rust and depletion of concrete and have serviced if necessary.
- Make sure the handrails are not rotting, rusting, or are loose.
- Ensure that the balcony railings are high enough. You may have a minimum railing requirement height in your area.
- Trim nearby trees to prevent branches from falling on balconies.
- Fasteners that are beginning to deteriorate should be replaced immediately.
- Keep in mind, the owners of every building in New York City that is more than six stories tall is required by law to conduct inspections of balconies and facades every five years.
The summer months are also a great time to make any repairs on the roof or sidewalks. With all the rain and snow from the winter and spring months, it’s possible the roof and sidewalk have taken a beating. Now is the perfect time to fix any outdoor areas of your property. Please contact us if you have any questions.
