Home Safety Tips While Entertaining

Entertaining at home can be a lot of fun. You get the chance to show off your hosting skills, indulge your guests with your fabulous cooking and enjoy their company in a relaxed setting. In addition to the great food and charming company you will offer your guests, you also want to ensure their safety, especially when young children and elderly people are on the guest list.

Whether planning a sit-down dinner in the dining room or a picnic in the backyard, you want the assurance that your home, your yard and your accommodations are safe and secure for everyone.

Ten safety tips when entertaining at home:

1) Make sure your homeowner’s insurance provides ample coverage and your payments are up to date. This is one of the most important proactive and protective measures you can take to protect your property and your guests in the event of an accident or injury.

2) Check your home and property for potentially hazardous conditions. If entertaining outside, check the grounds for holes. Consider installing hand rails at all entrances and stairways. If you have a pool, make sure it is fenced off and locked when not supervised by an adult. If you are entertaining during the winter, make sure all snow, ice and hanging icicles have been removed from walkways and entranceways. Add salt or sand if necessary.

If children are expected, make sure all windows, screens and doors are secured tightly and stairways are gated. Store all sharp objects and tools in a childproof cabinet. Lock up all medicines and cleaning supplies. Remove any top-heavy items that could fall over onto someone. Make sure area rugs and extension cords are secured or out of the way and don’t cause a tripping hazard. Close off all unsafe areas.

3) Limit the number of guests to what you can safely accommodate. Make sure elderly guests have comfortable seating arrangements. If children are attending, they should be accompanied by an adult.

4) Make sure you have ample parking for your guests. If planning a large gathering, check with your town to see if there are limits on the number of cars that can be parked on the road. Don’t block off any fire hydrants.

5) Check all appliances and equipment you plan on using. Check wiring for signs of wear. Don’t overload your electrical outlets with too many appliances.

6) Never leave a stove, fire pit, fireplace or grill unattended and never allow young children near the cooking area. Keep children away from matches, lighters, lighting fluids and propane tanks. If decorating with candles, place them in safe containers, away from curtains and other flammable items. Make sure all cigarette butts are completely extinguished before tossing in the trash. A fire extinguisher nearby would provide an extra element of safety and peace of mind.

7) Make sure all pets are safely removed from the entertaining area. Also request that your guests leave their pets at home. This is for everyone’s safety including the safety of the pets.

8) If alcohol is being served, also offer a full supply of non-alcoholic beverages, bottled water, coffee and tea. Make sure all guests are within the legal alcohol limit for driving home or have a designated driver.

9) Put any cherished family treasures and valuables out of reach or stored away for safekeeping during the event, especially if children are expected.

10) Always have a first-aid kit close by in case of emergency.

Once you have given your home and property a thorough inspection and taken all necessary safety precautions, you are ready to open your home to your guests and thoroughly enjoy the festivities.