Planning a house party? Make safety a priority. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a big backyard bash, taking precautions can help prevent accidents and keep the good times going. These house party safety tips will help you host with confidence and enjoy the celebration stress-free.
House party safety tips for the host.
- Secure your property. This should start days or weeks before guests arrive. Take a walk around your home or property and note anything that needs to be repaired or replaced and even areas you’d like to spruce up. Tighten wobbly railings. Fix loose pavers. Hide tripping hazards like rugs, hoses, and extension cords. Lock sheds that contain sharp objects or yard chemicals.
- Inspect your furniture. Setting out tables, chairs, or benches? Take a closer look to ensure they’re sturdy and that nothing is sticking out or breaking apart.
- Think about the layout. Setting the yard games up near the grill or bonfire is an accident waiting to happen. Same with putting the seating area on uneven ground. Plan a layout that works for the flow of your space, leaves wide walkways, and creates a pleasant party atmosphere.
- Practice grilling and fire safety. Position the grill away from structures, trees, and flammable materials. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, and never leave the grill unattended. If you’re setting up a fire pit, establish a safe zone to prevent burns or accidents.
- Make food safety a priority. You want guests to talk about having fun at your party, not feeling sick. Help avoid foodborne illnesses by keeping hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Don’t leave perishable items sitting out too long, and ensure meats are cooked to proper temperatures. Provide plenty of handwashing or sanitizing options for guests.
- Don’t overcrowd your space. No one likes an overcrowded party. Not only does it make it harder to hold conversations and hear, it can also make maneuvering around the party more difficult and dangerous. Ensure you have a proper number of guests for what your space allows.
- Watch the weather. Check the forecast before your event, especially for outdoor gatherings. Have a backup plan in case of rain, extreme heat, or strong winds. Provide shaded areas and water for hot days and have a safe shelter option if needed.
- Be respectful of your neighbors. Happy neighbors are the best neighbors. So be respectful to yours by giving them a heads-up before a large gathering or even inviting them to join it. Turn the music down or off as the sun goes down so you don’t disrupt others. Consider moving the party indoors as it gets later.
House party safety tips for guests.
- Park properly. Follow the host’s parking instructions if they provide them. If they don’t, be respectful of the neighborhood by not blocking driveways, parking on the grass, or parking in front of mailboxes or fire hydrants. Adhere to any additional rules of the neighborhood, like parking curfews.
- Be a second set of eyes for the host. Since the host is busy running around and socializing, be a helpful second set of eyes. If you see something dangerous or out of place, try to mitigate the risk or bring it to the host’s attention.
- Know your limits. Pace yourself with food and drinks and be mindful of how you’re feeling. If you plan to drink alcohol, schedule rides to and from the party or select a designated driver.
- Be respectful of the space. That includes staying in designated areas the host has outlined (not checking out places like the rooms upstairs), cleaning up after yourself, and following any safety guidelines the host has mentioned.
Following these house party safety tips can help you have more fun and peace of mind during any gathering this season. To feel even more secure at home, talk to a local, independent agent about comprehensive home insurance.
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