The holidays are all about having fun with co-workers, friends and family, which is why throwing holiday parties, is such a popular event throughout the winter season.
However, before you invite your guests over, it’s important to make sure the home, office or other setting is safe and hazard-free.
Here are just a few tips for hosting a safe and fun holiday party:
Kitchen Safety
If you’re throwing a holiday party at your house, chances are a good amount of cooking is involved. Although allowing guests to socialize in and around the kitchen is perfectly fine, it’s important to make sure you practice kitchen safety.
For starters, make sure your guests don’t congregate around the hot stovetop or the oven. Doing so increases the chances of burns and other accidents.
Likewise, make sure you put away knives and other sharp objects after using them. It’s easier than you think for a guest to accidently lean on a knife or other sharp object.
Finally, no matter how busy your party gets, always make sure there is someone keeping an eye on the kitchen.
Leaving something on the burner or in the oven unattended can quickly turn into a fire hazard.
Tripping Hazards
Just because you’re familiar with your house or office (in some cases, office parties will be held at restaurants and other public gathering spots) doesn’t mean your holiday guests are.
The article “Injured at your neighbor’s house for a party. Can I recover for my injuries?” mentions the fact that you could be liable for any injuries that take place on your property.
Considering injuries that result from slips and falls are most common, it’s important to make sure you rid your house of any tripping hazards. This means making sure all walkways are clear of obstacles such as small pieces of furniture and power cords.
In addition, make sure you clean up any food and beverage spills the moment they happen.
Likewise, if you have elderly guests coming over, help them navigate stairs, hallways, and any other tight or uneven surfaces.
Finally, given the dangers of drinking and driving make sure all guests are fit to drive when leaving your holiday event.
Outdoor Hazards
Having a guest-friendly home is important, but making sure your home’s exterior is hazard-free is equally important, especially if you live in a wintery climate. Making sure you cut shrubbery and limbs back around outdoor pathways will eliminate walking hazards on the way to your front door.
Additionally, making sure all outdoor areas, including decks and pathways, are well lit is another safety step to keep in mind.
Lastly, if you live in a part of the country with snowy, icy conditions, make sure you clear all outdoor pathways of ice and snow before your guests arrive.
Childproofing
If your children are grown or you’ve never had young ones running around your house, then your home probably isn’t childproof. With that said, if your holiday-party guests are bringing younger children, then you need to make sure your home is childproof.
This means making sure choking hazards such as snacks and small holiday decorations are out of reach.
Similarly, limit access to dangerous spaces within your home, such as the garage, the kitchen, and stairways.
Likewise, keep any hot surfaces and open flames such as hot plates and candles out of the reach of your younger guests.
Before you host your next holiday party, consider some of the safety pointers mentioned above.
About the Author: Adam Groff is a freelance writer and creator of content. He writes on a variety of topics including home safety and event hosting.
