Summertime party safety

Summer’s here, and that means backyard parties by the pool with goodies on the grill and s’mores around the firepit! Along with all that fun comes the responsibility of keeping your friends, neighbors, and guests safe at your shindigs.

Before you plan your next big bash, here are some safety tips to keep everyone accident-free.

Grill of your dreams

A staple of backyard summer parties, your grill is the source of mouth-watering treats, from hot dogs and chicken to savory steaks and hot corn on the cob. But there are some grill safety rules to observe in order to avoid injuries and possible liability.

The National Fire Protection Agency reveals that 8,900 home fires were caused by outdoor grilling, with ten deaths, 160 injuries, and more than $100 million in property damage.

Here are some tips to keep it from happening to you:

• At the start of the season, check the grill for gas leaks
• Become friends with a fire extinguisher and keep it handy
• Locate the grill at least ten feet from your house
• Avoid flying cinders, especially around dry grass
• Keep festive decorations away from the grill
• Keep an eye on the grill. If you have to step away, have a grill partner keep watch while you’re gone
• Keep children away from the grill
• Don’t overload the grill; too much food on it is dangerous
• Keep your grill clean after each use to avoid grease fires

Stay cool in the pool

Sipping a tropical umbrella cocktail by the pool is right out of a dream.

Observe some pool safety rules to keep it from becoming a nightmare!

The National Safety Council says that of 7,000 drownings each year, more than three quarters of them take place in home pools and spas.

Don’t let your loved ones and friends join these statistics! Keep your pool a safe place by following these tips:

• Maintain adult supervision at all times
• Do not allow running or roughhousing around the pool
• Ensure guests can swim before they enter your pool
• Keep a cell phone handy in case of emergency
• Keep flotation devices and poles nearby in case rescue becomes necessary
• Keep a high fence around your pool, and keep the gate locked to prevent neighborhood children from sneaking in unsupervised.

Around the fire pit

Who doesn’t love gathering around a fire on a cool summer night? Toasted marshmallows, s’mores and grilled wieners come to mind.

Always remember that fire is not to be regarded without safety precautions. Fire pits and outdoor fireplaces cause thousands of grass and brush fires each year.

The last thing you need is setting a dry lawn on fire or torching the woods behind your home.

Here are some fire pit safety tips:

• Never leave a fire unattended or without adult supervision
• Keep flammable items three feet or more away from the fire
• Always have a fire extinguisher or hose nearby
• Don’t walk away from a fire until you’re certain that all embers are extinguished
• Keep a cell phone and first aid kit handy for emergencies

Here are five tips from the NFPA for keeping your fires safe.

Final thoughts

Speaking of those exotic umbrella cocktails, consider drinking in moderation at summer parties. It’s always best to keep your wits about you. If you notice that a some of your guests have had a few too many, arrange for a safe ride home, or offer to let them spend the night.

As James Taylor sang about summer, “It’s my favorite time of the year, and I’m glad that it’s here.” Wishing all of you a fun and safe summer!

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