Fall Home Safety Tips

At Mutual of Wausau Insurance, we know there’s a lot to love about fall in Wisconsin—colorful leaves, crisp mornings, football weekends, and time spent outdoors before winter settles in. But the season also brings a few hazards around the home that can be easy to overlook. 

A little prevention can go a long way toward keeping your home, property, and family safe this fall.

Here are some simple tips to help prevent common fall mishaps around your home: 

1. Keep Walkways Safe & Well-Lit

Shorter days mean more time coming and going in the dark. Check outdoor lighting around entrances, garages, steps, and walkways, and replace burned-out bulbs as needed. 

Keep sidewalks, porches, and steps clear of fallen leaves, which can become surprisingly slippery when wet. While you’re at it, check for loose handrails, uneven steps, or cracked pavement that could create a tripping hazard. 

2. Be Smart About Fall Yard Cleanup

Raking leaves, trimming branches, and tackling those last outdoor projects of the year can come with their own risks. Use ladders on stable, level surfaces, wear appropriate footwear, and avoid working on a roof or ladder when surfaces are wet. 

When using leaf blowers, chainsaws, or other outdoor power equipment, follow manufacturer safety recommendations and keep children and pets at a safe distance.

3. Give Your Trees a Closer Look

Once the leaves begin to fall, it may be easier to spot dead, cracked, or damaged branches. Pay particular attention to trees near your home, garage, driveway, or other structures. 

Branches weakened by age, disease, or previous storms may be more likely to come down during strong fall winds or under the weight of winter snow and ice. When in doubt, have a professional evaluate larger trees or limbs.

4. Store Summer Gear Safely

Before putting away patio furniture, grills, lawn equipment, and other seasonal items, take a few extra minutes to store them properly. Secure outdoor items that could be picked up by strong winds, and allow gasoline-powered equipment to cool completely before storing it.

Before putting away patio furniture, grills, lawn equipment, and other seasonal items, take a few extra minutes to store them properly. Secure outdoor items that could be picked up by strong winds, and allow gasoline-powered equipment to cool completely before storing it.

5. Watch for Fire Hazards Around Your Home

Dry leaves and other fall debris can accumulate around decks, porches, garages, and outdoor equipment. Keep these areas clear, particularly if you enjoy fall bonfires, fire pits, or outdoor cooking. 

Place fire pits a safe distance from your home and other structures, keep a water source nearby, and make sure fires are completely extinguished before leaving them unattended.

6. Make Sure Your House Number Is Easy to See

This is a small detail that can make a big difference in an emergency. As landscaping grows or decorations go up, make sure your house number remains clearly visible from the road—both during the day and at night. 

For rural properties, also check that your fire number or address marker is visible and unobstructed. Clear identification can help emergency responders locate your home more quickly when every minute counts.

7. Take Extra Care with Seasonal Decorations

Pumpkins, mums, corn stalks, and other fall decorations can add plenty of seasonal charm, but be mindful of where you place them. Keep decorations away from heat sources, open flames, and heavily traveled walkways. 

If you’re using decorative lights or extension cords outdoors, make sure they’re rated for outdoor use and inspect them for damage before plugging them in. 

8. Do a Quick Home Inventory

Fall is a great time to take updated photos or video of the inside and outside of your home. Document major belongings, electronics, furniture, appliances, tools, and other valuable items, and keep the information somewhere you can access if you ever need it. 

A current home inventory can make things much easier if you experience a loss and need to recall what you owned. 

A Little Prevention Goes a Long Way

You don’t need a major home improvement project to make your property safer this fall. A few simple checks around your home and yard can help prevent injuries, property damage, and unexpected headaches as the seasons change.

At Mutual of Wausau Insurance, protecting your home is about more than having the right coverage—it’s also about helping you prevent losses before they happen. 

Enjoy everything a Wisconsin fall has to offer & stay safe this season! 

Have questions about your coverage or want to schedule a policy review?
📞 Contact your local agent.