June Home Maintenance and Safety Checklist

June welcomes the official start of summer, which means barbeques, pool parties, backyard camping, and of course, home improvement projects (just in time for Father’s Day). In honor of National Safety Month this June, check out a few of our suggestions for making your home a little safer and efficient.

June home maintenance checklist

If you have a water dispenser in your fridge, you should change the filter at least every six months.

And don’t neglect that ice maker. The frosty crust that develops over time will prevent it from working correctly, so defrost and clean it every time you replace the fridge filter.

You may be surprised to learn that rates of larceny and burglary rise in the summer.¹ Between the nice sunny weather and the height of travel season, June leaves a lot of houses empty and unguarded from intruders. Here's how you can make your home safer.

If you already have a security system, try these things every six months to make it safer:

1. Check your window and door sensors to make sure they're secure.
2. Make sure you are still getting notifications from your sensors.
3. Check the app to adjust privacy zones and motion sensitivity on your security cameras.

We all spend more time outside this time of year, so it's the perfect time to spruce up your security along with your flowerbeds. 

1. Trim shrubs and trees to eliminate hiding spots for bad actors.
2. Put away and lock up lawn equipment and ladders when you're finished with them. 
3. Check outside lighting and replace burned out bulbs. Adding motion-sensor lights is another good idea to shoo away prowlers.
4. Make sure to close and lock all windows (especially ground-floor ones) before you turn in.
5. If you have a pool, use smart home gadgets like a motion sensor, gate sensor, camera, or water sensor to keep kids and pets safe.

A few small improvements can make a big difference this month.

If spring hit you hard with allergies, pollen may not be the only culprit. Before starting up the ceiling fan for the summer, clean off the blades and dust all the fans in your house. All the dust and debris could be adding to your allergies.

While you’re looking up, check for dead lightbulbs around the house as well.

Summer is prime insect season. If every winged, crawling thing seems to find its way into your home, check your window screens. Even a small hole or rip could be a welcome sign for bugs to enter your home.

For small holes, repair tape will suffice. If the damage is bad enough, you may have to replace the screen completely.

Your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors don’t do much if they aren’t charged and connected. So test these important safety devices at least once a month (earplugs encouraged). Make it easier on yourself by stocking up on batteries to keep on hand—your smoke and fire detectors will thank you.

Since we're halfway through the year, now is a good time to toss old meds and restock your first aid kit.

Hiking, biking, and swimming during the summer can keep you and your family busy and active. But accidents happen, so don’t forget to stock up on basic first-aid supplies like bandages, disinfectant, and more.

You can also find portable first aid kits to take with you on your summer adventures.

You probably open your medicine cabinet every day. Take a moment this month to look closely at it. Get rid of anything that’s long expired, like medications, sunscreen, cosmetics, and other personal care products.

Use these tips to make the outdoor season a nicer and little safer.

If you’ve got a jungle gym or playground in your backyard, take a close look at it before the kids can get to it. Loose screws, rust, and splinters can lead to injuries and even hospital visits without the right precautions.

Most flammable liquids, including some paints, don’t hold up well under heat. Make sure you store them in the optimal room temperatures indicated on the product label.

Before you jump into the gardening and outdoor season, clean out the shed and garage so all your favorite tools are easy to reach. Donate or throw away tools you don’t use anymore, especially old power tools that could be a hazard to kids.

Dangerous chemicals like antifreeze should also be stored properly and organized. Be sure to dispose of any expired materials properly too.

Around every six months, we recommend reviewing the authorized users and sharing permissions for your smart devices and apps. Remove anyone or anything you don't recognize, and then change the password.

• Safety Guide for Summer
• May Home Maintenance and Safety Checklist
• July Home Maintenance and Safety Checklist
• Room-by-Room Guide to a Safer Home

1. Bureau of Justice Statistics, “Seasonal Patterns In Crime”. June 2014. Accessed May 31, 2022.