5 Summer Safety Risks Homeowners Often Overlook When Hosting

(Feature Impact) Summer is the perfect season for gathering outdoors with friends and family, but if you’re a homeowner planning to host barbecues, pool parties or holiday celebrations this year, it’s important to consider the potential safety and liability risks that may be affecting your own backyard. A little advance planning can help you ensure that your guests enjoy safe, healthy experiences at your home and leave with only happy memories.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, thousands of injuries each year are linked to fireworks, grills and swimming pools. While most summer gatherings end without incident, Mercury Insurance is encouraging homeowners to remember that smart preparation can help you avoid unfortunate accidents and costly damage.

“A few simple safety checks can help homeowners create a safer environment for everyone while protecting the property they’ve worked hard to build,” said Larry Anderson, underwriting operations director at Mercury Insurance.

Set your summer up for success by paying special attention to these five often-overlooked seasonal safety risks.

Guest Injuries and Liability Risks

Since summer gatherings naturally increase foot traffic around a property, it should be safe to walk around. Uneven walkways, loose decking, poor lighting and pet-related incidents can all lead to injuries that homeowners may not anticipate.

Before hosting events, audit your property to repair trip hazards and ensure walkways and outdoor gathering areas are well-lit. If you have pets that may become stressed around large groups, secure them before guests arrive. Since unforeseen events can still occur despite your best efforts, review your liability coverage to understand available protections.

Unsupervised Pool Areas

Swimming pools can provide endless summer fun, but they also present one of the most serious safety risks around the home. Drowning remains a leading cause of accidental death for young children, making active supervision essential whenever children are near water.

If your backyard includes a pool, ensure that gates and barriers are functioning properly, keep rescue equipment nearby and consider pool alarms and self-closing gates for additional protection. Most importantly, never leave children unattended around water.

Backyard Grill Fires

Grilling is a summer tradition, but outdoor cooking equipment can quickly become a fire hazard if used improperly. Placing your grill too close to flammable objects, letting grease build up and leaving the grill unattended can all increase the risk of property damage.

Start by making sure your grill is set up at least 10 feet away from homes, fences and overhangs before you fire it up. Clean grease trays regularly, never leave a grill unattended while cooking and keep a fire extinguisher accessible during outdoor cooking.

Fireworks Too Close to Homes and Landscaping

Fireworks-related fires increase significantly during summer, particularly in dry climates where even one stray spark can ignite vegetation or nearby structures.

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The safest option, when possible, is to attend professional displays rather than hosting your own. However, if you’re planning on lighting up your skies this summer, follow all local laws and restrictions regarding fireworks and keep your launch site well away from homes, vehicles and dry landscaping. Have a water source readily available when using legal consumer fireworks.

Outdoor Electrical Hazards

Extension cords, decorative lighting, outdoor speakers and fans often receive extra use during summer gatherings. Damaged cords or overloaded outlets can create shock and fire hazards. As you set up your summer entertainment systems, check your equipment to be sure it’s rated for outdoor use. Keep electrical connections away from pools and water features, avoid overloading electrical outlets and take a few extra minutes before each gathering to inspect outdoor cords for wear and damage.

“Most homeowners focus on making their gatherings enjoyable, but safety should be part of the preparation process,” Anderson said. “Taking a few minutes to identify potential hazards before guests arrive can help prevent accidents and allow everyone to focus on enjoying the season.”

For more home safety resources and insurance information, visit MercuryInsurance.com/Resources.

Photos courtesy of Shutterstock

SOURCE:
Mercury Insurance

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Last Updated on June 27, 2026 by Daily News Staff

The race to bring affordable electric vehicles to American drivers is heating up, and one startup continues to attract major attention: Slate Auto’s compact electric pickup truck.

Since its debut, the Slate Truck has positioned itself as a different kind of EV — one focused less on luxury technology and more on affordability, simplicity, and customization. The company recently revealed important updates, including official pricing, improved range estimates, and the opening of preorders as it moves closer to production. 

Slate Truck Officially Priced at $24,950

When Slate Auto first introduced the truck, the company gained headlines by suggesting an electric pickup could eventually cost under $20,000 after incentives.

That original target has changed, but Slate says the mission remains the same: build a practical electric vehicle at a price point accessible to more consumers.

The base Slate Truck will start at $24,950 before taxes, fees, and optional equipment. The company is also offering SUV conversion options starting around the $30,000 range. 

While it is no longer a sub-$20,000 vehicle, the Slate Truck could still become one of the most affordable new EVs available in the United States.

More Range Than Originally Expected

One of the biggest technical updates is the truck’s improved estimated range.

Early versions of the Slate Truck were expected to offer around 150 miles of range. The company has now increased that estimate to approximately 205 miles using a 63-kWh LFP battery pack. 

The truck is expected to feature:

• Rear-wheel-drive electric motor
• Around 181 horsepower
• Approximately 1,550-pound payload capacity
• Around 2,000-pound towing capability
• NACS charging connector for Tesla Supercharger access 

Jay Leno Takes the Slate Truck for a Drive

The Slate Truck gained additional attention after appearing on Jay Leno’s Garage, where longtime automotive enthusiast Jay Leno tested a prototype version of the vehicle.

The episode gave viewers a closer look at Slate’s unusual approach: instead of building a luxury EV loaded with expensive features, the company created a simple platform that owners can customize over time. 

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The truck’s philosophy includes:

• Easy-to-repair design
• Replaceable body panels
• DIY-friendly customization
• Accessories that allow owners to personalize the vehicle after purchase 

The concept is closer to an automotive “blank canvas” than a traditional factory-built vehicle.

Built Around Customization

Slate’s strategy is different from most automakers. Instead of offering dozens of factory trims, the company plans to sell a basic vehicle and let owners add features later.

Planned upgrades include:

• Interior improvements
• Audio systems
• Roof racks
• Exterior accessories
• Wrap options
• Pickup-to-SUV conversion kits

Slate says it plans to offer more than 175 accessories, allowing owners to build a vehicle based on their needs and budget. 

Production Plans Remain on Track

Slate continues preparing for production at its Indiana manufacturing facility.

The company has raised additional funding, including a reported $650 million funding round, bringing total funding to approximately $1.4 billion. The money is intended to support factory development and production preparation. 

Current plans:

• Production start: Late 2026
• Initial deliveries: Expected toward the end of 2026
• Larger production ramp: Expected in 2027 

Can Slate Change the EV Market?

The Slate Truck represents a different idea about what an electric vehicle should be.

Instead of competing with premium models like the Rivian R1T or Ford F-150 Lightning, Slate is targeting drivers who want something affordable, practical, and easy to personalize.

The biggest challenge now is turning strong consumer interest into actual vehicles on the road.

With tens of thousands of reservations and growing attention from automotive media, Slate has created something rare in today’s auto industry: excitement around a vehicle designed around affordability. 

The next major test will be production.

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Related STM Daily News Coverage

• Electric Vehicle Innovation and Transportation Updates
• Automotive Industry News and Consumer Trends
• The Future of Transportation Technology

Further Reading

• Slate Auto Official Website
  https://www.slate.auto
• Jay Leno’s Garage: Slate Truck First Drive
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6_9_HHLOSY
• TechCrunch: Slate Auto Updates and Production Plans
• Cars.com: Slate Truck Pricing and Specs

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(Family Features) Graduation is an exciting time, but it also means new responsibilities.

“Graduates are stepping into a world filled with opportunities and uncertainties,” said Kevin Quinn, VP, Auto Claims at Mercury Insurance. “Understanding your insurance needs is a crucial step in protecting your future.”

If, like many recent grads, you’ve been on your parents’ auto insurance and now need your own, consider these simple steps from Mercury Insurance to help you get the coverage you need.

1. Review Your Current Coverage
As a starting point, talk to your parents and their insurance agent to understand what coverage you currently have.

“Knowing what coverage you’ve had under your parents’ policy helps you understand what protections you might need going forward,” Quinn said.

2. Decide on Your Coverage
Understanding the different types of coverage available ensures you choose the right protection for your vehicle and situation. Different types of coverage include:

• Liability: Covers damage you cause to others.
• Collision: Covers damage to your car from accidents.
• Comprehensive: Covers non-accident damage (like theft or weather).

3. Check State Requirements
Every state has different auto insurance laws. Look up the minimum coverage requirements for your state or ask an agent to explain them.

4. Get Quotes
Shopping around is essential. Contact multiple insurance companies to get quotes. Different companies offer various rates and discounts, so take the time to compare prices and coverage options to find the best deal. For example, you can obtain a quote from Mercury Insurance online.

Many insurers also offer discounts for safe driving, good grades or combining policies. Be sure to ask about lower rates and potential savings for:

• Good driving record
• Completing driver education courses
• Bundling with other insurance policies

5. Review and Choose
Look over the quotes and coverage options. Select a policy that provides adequate coverage without stretching your budget too thin.

6. Set Up Your Policy
Once you’ve chosen a policy, work with the insurance company to set it up. For example, Mercury Insurance has a team of agents ready to help make this process as seamless and easy as possible. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions to avoid surprises later on and contact an agent if you have any questions.

For more information, visit mercuryinsurance.com or contact your local agent.

Photos courtesy of Shutterstock

SOURCE:
Mercury Insurance

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