Summer may be winding down, but August is a special time in Northwest Ohio. The county fairs are buzzing, farms are preparing for harvest, and families are squeezing in those last summer adventures. It’s a season filled with cherished memories, but also one where accidents happen if we’re not careful.
At Andres O’Neil & Lowe, we care about more than insurance policies—we care about the people and families who trust us. As neighbors in Archbold, Bryan, Hicksville, Wauseon, and Defiance, we want to share a few friendly reminders to help you finish summer on a safe and happy note.
1. Don’t Let Water Fun Turn Dangerous
Pools, lakes, rivers, and splash pads are still busy in August and water accidents remain a major risk. A few extra minutes of caution can prevent a lifetime of regret.
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Even confident swimmers can get tired or caught off guard. Designate a “water watcher” at all times.
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Teach kids to always ask for permission before entering water, swim with a buddy, and stay in sight of an adult.
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Utilize properly fitted, Coast Guard–approved life jackets when near deep water, even if the child or adult can swim.
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Fence in backyard pools with self-latching gates and remove ladders when pools are not in use.
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CPR training can make the difference in an emergency.
2. Keep the Flames Fun, Not Frightening
Outdoor cooking and fire pits are staples of summer and fall evenings—but open flames demand caution.
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Keep grills and fire pits at least 10 feet from homes, sheds, decks, and overhanging trees.
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Never leave a grill or fire burning unattended, even for a few minutes.
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Keep long-handled utensils, heat-resistant gloves, and water or a fire extinguisher nearby.
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Mark a 3-foot “no-go zone” for kids and pets around grills and fires.
3. Beat the Heat Before It Beats You
Late-summer heat and humidity can sneak up on anyone—whether you’re at the fair, on the farm, or at a ballgame. Keep plenty of water handy and encourage kids and the elderly to take shade breaks.
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Use at least SPF 30 sunscreen and reapply it every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
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Know the signs of heat exhaustion: dizziness, nausea, weakness, and heavy sweating.
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Heat stroke is a medical emergency—call 911 if someone is confused, has a rapid pulse, or stops sweating despite high heat.
4. Hit the Road with Confidence
With school back in session, sporting events starting, and fall harvest approaching, traffic picks up quickly in August. Slow down in school zones, watch for increased pedestrian traffic, and be especially mindful of farm equipment on country roads.
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Check your vehicle’s brakes, fluid levels, and tires for pressure and tread wear.
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Carry jumper cables, a flashlight, bottled water, blankets, snacks, and a phone charger.
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Assign a co-pilot to handle directions and devices.
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Ensure all passengers are buckled up properly and confirm children’s car seats are installed correctly, especially if you’re relying on others to help get your kids to/from daycare, practices, etc.
5. Give Your Family and Home a Quick Safety Review
As seasons change, it’s a good time to review your family’s overall safety plans.
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Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, and restock first aid kits.
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Discuss with kids who they should call if there is an emergency at home, what to do if they get lost at an event, where to go if there’s severe weather, or if they need help when an adult isn’t nearby.
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Revisit safe internet practices.
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Double check that trampolines and playsets are in safe condition.
6. Own a Farm? Harvest Prep Calls for Extra Caution.
Harvest season is right around the corner in Northwest Ohio and Northeast Indiana, and many farmers are already working long hours to prepare. Remember fatigue can lead to accidents and taking a short break is better than taking a trip to the ER.
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Teach children and visitors safe zones and boundaries around machinery and livestock. Remind them that animals can be unpredictable.
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Thoroughly check all aspects of your machinery before heavy harvest use.
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Encourage workers to use gloves, boots, hearing protection, and safety glasses.
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Never allow children near bins and teach workers proper lock-out/tag-out procedures. Always have a rescue plan.
Don’t Just Hope for a Safe Season—Plan for One
These reminders may seem small, but together they can make a big difference in keeping your family safe. At Andres O’Neil & Lowe, our goal has always been more than selling policies—it’s to protect the people we care about.
We’ve been part of this community for over 100 years, serving families and businesses across Bryan, Archbold, Hicksville, Wauseon, Defiance, and beyond. Our team stays up to date with the latest training, works with the top insurance carriers in the business, and—most importantly—treats you like family.
So, before the season changes, ask yourself: is your insurance keeping up with your life?
Give us a call, stop by one of our local offices, or connect with us online—and let’s make sure you’re protected for whatever life brings next.
Andres O’Neil & Lowe — Neighbors you know. Caring for families, farms, businesses, and futures—season after season.
