When you host a party, you want it to be enjoyable and safe for all your guests.
You should try to anticipate risks or hazards and manage these risks so your
guests are safe and everybody can have a fun, worry-free time.
Plan it!
Here are some things to consider when you're planning a party:
What kind of event is it? Is it a house party, a pool party, a field party,
a graduation party or a company party? Is the party going to be indoors or outdoors?
Where will the function take place – in a private home, a public place,
or in a banquet hall or other rented facility? When you choose a venue, you
should carefully consider the potential risks that each might present. Be sure
to think carefully the party location and weather conditions in advance, and
plan accordingly.
- Be prepared! Understand your legal obligations as a host and make
sure that you have the proper liability coverage in place.
- Plan the guest list! Keep the number of guests to a reasonable limit
for your space and make sure that you know the names of all the invited guests.
- Get help! Get others (such as family members) involved in the planning
and in overseeing various party activities. Get more help or volunteers if you
think you'll need some extra hands.
- Get organized! It's okay to assign tasks and work schedules. You'll
worry less if you know who's helping with what in advance.
- Provide minimum levels of first aid on-site, and know how to access
local emergency services quickly if you need to. If you aren't sure that there
will be a working telephone nearby, make other arrangements such as having a
cell phone handy.
Manage the risks!
For the event itself, here's a checklist of specific points to consider:
Surroundings
- Swimming pools – Make sure you provide safety equipment, pool
rules and adult supervision.
- Windows or balconies – Guard against fallsRented facility –
Know where the emergency exits are and who the on-site contact person is.
- Stairs – Remove loose carpeting and check during the party for
food or drink spills.
- Fireplace or candles – Monitor continuously.
- Barbeques – Don't leave them unattended.
- Outdoors – Watch the weather and know what to do if there is
an electrical storm.
- Food – Prepare, handle and store food safely.
- Beverages – Avoid glass bottles and glasses and use plastic cups,
canned drinks or plastic bottles.
- Smoke alarm – Check that the smoke alarm is working properly
before the party.
Supervision
- Playgrounds and parks – A responsible adult should always be
with children.
- Backyard pools, lakes or rivers – A responsible adult must be
present. Tell your guests not to dive.
- Large events – Make sure you have a good number of host representatives
to keep an eye on the activities.
- Youth house parties – A responsible adult should be present.
Alcohol
- Liability – Don't forget that 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 how much your guests are drinking.
Offer non-alcoholic beverages too.
- Travel home – Arrange for designated drivers in advance and call
for taxis if necessary.
- Vigilance – Be prepared to take your guests' car keys away if
you need to.
- Stay-overs – Be prepared to have guests stay overnight with you.
Tidy up!
There are still a few things you should do after the party is over:
- Food – Leftovers and perishable foods should be properly stored.
- Fire hazards – Put out any burning candles and check the fireplace,
barbeceue or campfire to make sure it's not still burning.
- Smoking – Check all the areas where guests may have been smoking
for smouldering butts and dampen all ashtrays.
- Equipment – Safely put away all dangerous utensils such as knives.
- Site – If you've been at a park or rented facility, leave it
the way you found it.
If you do some planning in advance and give some thought to how to keep your
guests safe, you can have a truly successfully get-together. Anticipating risks
and having steps in place to manage those risks is an essential party ingredient.
Good luck with your party, and have fun!
Additional resources:
Backyard pool safety tips – Canadian Red Cross
Be a responsible host during the holidays – Canadian
Health Network (CHN)
Handle with care – Dietitians of Canada
Home safety – Canada Safety Council
SMARTRISK
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