If you’re hosting a party this holiday season in Lincoln City, Oregon, it’s vital to prioritize safety as part of your planning process. While we all love the joy and celebration that comes with holiday gatherings, keeping safety in mind will help ensure a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), from 2015 to 2019, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 790 house fires caused by faulty holiday decorations each year.
Whether you’re planning a festive gathering or attending a celebration, be sure to follow these essential safety tips to keep your holiday party fun and secure!
Holiday Party Safety Tips
Establish a fire escape plan for your household and share it with your guests. If you don’t have one yet, you can find useful tips for creating a fire escape plan here.
- Clear Snow and Ice Before Guests Arrive
If it snows on the day of your party, clear the walkways to provide safe access to your home. Shovel any snow and sprinkle salt on icy patches to prevent slips and falls. Remember to check the paths again before guests leave to ensure everyone’s safety.
- Encourage Smokers to Go Outside
If any of your guests smoke, kindly ask them to step outside. Provide large, deep ashtrays for their convenience to ensure proper disposal of cigarette butts.
- Use Safety-Approved Decorations
If you decorate for the holidays, use safety-tested electric lights to reduce fire risk. Before hanging any lights, inspect them for broken bulbs, loose connections, or frayed wires.
Don’t leave perishable food items at room temperature for more than two hours. If the temperature is above 85 degrees, keep unrefrigerated food out for only one hour.
Pets can react differently to strangers, so be aware of how your animals interact with guests. If your pet tends to get anxious or feisty in large crowds, consider keeping them in a separate, quiet room away from the festivities.
- Serve Alcohol Responsibly
As the host, you are responsible for ensuring that no inebriated guests drive. Make arrangements for designated drivers, rideshares, or taxi services to ensure everyone gets home safely.
- Secure Your Home After the Party
Once the festivities conclude, walk through your home to ensure that all fireplaces and candles are extinguished. Turn off any unnecessary appliances, and safely gather and dispose of any potential hazards, such as sharp objects or flammable materials.
The holiday season is a wonderful time for creating memories, but it’s important to remember that accidents can happen. By being mindful of safety precautions, you can ensure that you and your guests have a memorable and enjoyable holiday party.
If the unthinkable happens and you have damage from a fire, call the experts at ServiceMaster Restoration Services in Lincoln City, OR. We’re here for you 24/7, every day of the year. Reach us at 541-996-2255.
