I'm having a party this weekend. How can I make it fun and safe?

When you host a party, you want it to be enjoyable and safe for all your guests. It is wise to anticipate risks or hazards in advance, and to manage them in such a way as to ensure the safety of your guests, and a worry-free time for yourself.

Plan It!

Here are some general considerations when planning a party:

• What type of an event is it? - house party? pool party? field party? grad party? company/workplace party? party at a park or other outdoor space? Where will the function take place? - at home? at a banquet hall or other rented facility? In choosing a venue, the potential risks that each might present should be carefully considered and evaluated. Be sure to assess the party location, in advance, and plan accordingly.
  
  
• Be prepared! If you, and/or an organizing committee are hosting the gathering, understand your legal obligations, and ensure satisfactory liability coverage is in place.
  
  
• Plan the guest list! Keep the number of guests to a reasonable limit for your space, and ensure that you know the names of all those who will be in attendance.
  
  
• Get help! Engage others (such as family members) in the planning, and in overseeing various party activities. Get additional help (volunteers) if you think you'll need some extra hands.
  
  
• Get organized! It is OK to assign tasks and work schedules. In fact, you'll worry less knowing that this was done in advance, and that you'll have some much-welcomed help.
  
  
• Provide minimum levels of first aid on-site, and know how to access local emergency services quickly should it become necessary. If you are not sure that there is a working telephone nearby, make alternative arrangements (such as a cell phone).

Manage the Risks!

For the event itself, here's a checklist of specific points to consider:

Physical Environment

• Backyard pools / swimming: provide safety equipment, pool rules, adult supervision.
• Windows / balconies: guard against falls.
• Rented facility: know the emergency exits and the on-site contact person.
• Stairs: remove loose carpeting, monitor during the party for food/beverage spills.
• Fireplace / candles: monitor continuously.
• BBQ and similar devices: do not leave unattended.
• Out of doors: watch the weather; know what to do in the event of an electrical storm.
• Food: ensure safe food storage, handling and preparation.
• Beverages: avoid glass bottles and glasses - use plastic cups, and beverages from cans or plastic bottles.

Supervision

• Playgrounds / sports parks: a responsible adult should be with the children.
• Backyard pools / lake / river: a responsible adult must be present.
• Large events: provide for adequate numbers of "host" representatives to oversee and monitor assigned physical areas/activities.
• Youth house parties: a responsible adult should be present.

Alcohol

• Liability: party hosts can be held legally responsible for injuries or damages that occur as a result of the alcohol they provide.
• Manage the risk: monitor consumption / substitute non-alcoholic beverages.
• Travel home: pre-arrange designated driver(s), call for taxis if necessary.
• Vigilance: be prepared to take away car keys.
• Stay-overs: be prepared to have guests stay overnight with you.

Tidy-Up!

When the party ends, there are a few things left to do to safely conclude the festivities:

• Food: leftovers and perishables, in particular, should be properly stored.
• Fire hazards: extinguish candles, check fireplace / BBQ / campfire, etc.
• Smoking: check ashtrays (dampen) and areas where guests may have been smoking.
• Equipment: safely store hazardous utensils (knives, etc.) and other equipment.
• Site: if you have been at a park or rented facility, leave it the way you found it.

With a little advance planning, and some thought about how to keep your guests safe, you can have a truly successfully get together. Anticipating the risks, and having steps in place to manage them, is an essential party ingredient.

Good luck with your party. And have fun!

Resources

Be a responsible host during the holidays
Source: Canadian Health Network (CHN) From: Magazine feature of the month: archives

Handle with care
Source: Dietitians of Canada From: Fact sheets

Backyard pool safety tips from the Red Cross
Source: Canadian Red Cross

Home safety
Source: Canada Safety Council

Last Modified Date: September 2004