A deck can be the perfect place to experience the outdoors, but it can also become a hazard if not properly cared after. Keep loved ones safe this summer as you entertain on your home’s deck with these safety tips.

• Inspect regularly: Have a licensed and experienced deck contractor inspect it. If your deck is more than 10 years old, it’s best to schedule annual inspections. Also do visual inspections in between official ones for signs of wood rot, rusty hardware and movement.

• Protect against fire hazards: Place a non-flammable pad between your deck and anything that could start a fire like a fire pit, grill, chimney or candles. Make sure that your home alarm system and nearby smoke detectors are properly working so that enjoying your deck won’t compromise your home safety.

• Check vegetation: Visually inspect any landscaping near your deck you think may compromise the structure. Call a landscaper to deal with any that doesn’t meet your standards.

It’s easy to keep the party going  even after the sun sets with an outdoor fire pit. But take extra care in tending to the fire because indoor smoke detectors and ADT heat sensors won’t alert you to a fire outdoors. The interior of your home has the added protection of a home alarm system – keep the exterior of your home safe with these fire pit safety tips:

• Stake out a good spot: Place the pit on a level surface made of concrete, brick or stone that is at least 10 feet away from your house and other structures.

• Use proper fuel: Burn dry wood that was cut at least six months ago.

• Ignite safely: Don’t use gas, kerosene or lighter fluid to start the fire.

• Douse out: Keep a fire extinguisher (dry chemical extinguisher), or a bucket of water or sand to douse the fire in case of an emergency or when you’re ready to head inside.

Just because you’re an adult doesn’t mean that inter-generational care is no longer a concern. Prepare for the long-term care that many aging parents require by considering the following:

• Qualified caregivers: Whether it’s a nurse in a senior assisted living facility or a live-in caregiver, make sure that the person who cares for your parent is well-qualified and trustworthy.

• Home security: Install a home alarm system in your parent’s home and make sure they know how to use it. Two-way voice capability of systems like ADT can be especially helpful.

• Emergency funds: Set aside money for medical emergencies and other emergencies that happen more often among the elderly.

• Accessibility: Can your aging parent easily access common household items like the washer and dryer and refrigerator? Also, evaluate how they can overcome hard-to-navigate barriers to other parts of the house like stairs.

• Personal security: Look into personal monitoring receivers that can be worn on a necklace, so your parent has an easy way to get help in the case of a fall or emergency.

Sudden summer downpours and thunderstorms can momentarily ruin the fun of outdoor adventures. But most people don’t worry about the dangers of lightning until it begins raining. However, if you can hear thunder, you’re within striking distance, so be sure to follow these lightning safety tips while you’re enjoying the great outdoors this summer.

• Stop at first sound: Quit all outdoor activities at the first sound of thunder so everyone has time to find cover.

• Seek shelter: Find a fully enclosed building with a roof, walls, and plumbing or wiring, and stay there.

• Keep away from plumbing, electronics:  If lightning strikes the building it will travel through the wiring or plumbing, and therefore go through any water or electronics in the building. Don’t try to disarm your home alarm system. Some, including ADT, have back-up batteries in the event of a power outage.