With beautiful sunny days, fireworks, backyard barbeques andexotic vacations, summer is synonymous with fun and relaxation.

Although summer may seem like a time for fun and celebration,homeowners need to be aware of the risks that could result incostly financial inconveniences. Agents can assist their clients bybringing their attention to the risks associated with the season,helping clients avoid filing a common summertime claim.

By following Grange Insurance's five tips, homeowners can stillenjoy their summer and stay safe, having the peace of mind thatthey are preventing everyday summertime mishaps.

Click through the following slides to learn more.

Prepare your home for “vacation mode”

Summer is a common time for travel, and whether a homeowner istravelling to the Ozarks for a long weekend or spending a month inHawaii, she must prepare the home for vacancy.

Families leaving home for an extended period of time should turnoff the valve on the washing machine, check the back-up battery onthe sump pump and put high-end electronics on a storm surgeprotector in case bad weather leads to flooding or fire, said KenKozek, vice president of claims for Grange Insurance.

Having a trusted neighbor or family friend periodically check onthe home can also be helpful in preventing any problems.

Kozek also suggests alerting the local police station of absenceand requesting an increased neighborhood watch. Putting a stop onmail and newspaper delivery and putting lights on a timer can alsodecrease risk and provide peace of mind.

Don't be the target of theft

The cool summer breeze through open windows is comforting,especially when the weather is hot and humid. But open windows anddoors can result in theft.

Although homes are often targeted when the homeowners are away,theft can happen just as easily if someone is home when windows anddoors are left unattended.

In the summer, home and car windows are frequently left ajar,sometimes unlocked, and garage doors are usually open, puttinghomeowners at risk for thievery.

Advise your clients that if they're going to leave windows ordoors open, they should keep items like wallets, cell phones, golfclubs and jewelry out of sight, Kozek said.

Be safe around water

Pool parties or simply a relaxing swim can help remedy thesummer heat, but water can also be dangerous.

Homeowners with backyard swimming pools should be especiallyattentive of swimming children and take precautions to avoiddrowning. They can install motion-activated alarms to sound analert if someone falls in the water.

For families with pools, Kozek also recommends installing afence around the pool area to prevent unwanted swimmers, who ifinjured, could be a potential liability for the homeowner.

Don't play with fire

Fireworks are fun to watch, but they are also a leading cause ofsummer house fires and can cause serious personal injury. Thousandsof people are taken to the emergency room every year because ofinjuries from fireworks, including smaller ones like sparklers andfirecrackers.

Advise your clients to leave fireworks to the professionals.Public fireworks displays are often bigger and brighter andsignificantly lower risk for injury. Even when attending a publicshow, however, it is important to be alert and aware of the nearestexit in case a mishap occurs.

Know your coverage options when you're away fromhome

Before taking off for summer vacation, suggest that yourhomeowner clients contact you to learn of their of their coverageoptions before renting boats, cars or vacation homes.

In some cases, additional coverage may be needed, but sometimesa homeowner's current auto or homeowner policies may provideeffective coverage.