If you plan on hosting a holiday party, especially one that has a fairly large guest list there are a few things you need to be aware of and remember.
This time of year, slip and fall claims tend to become more common, as snow and ice make exterior pathways slippery and melted remnants sneak indoors to create slick floors. Large parties increase the risk valuable household items possibly being damaged or stolen. Serving alcohol at a party comes with its own set of responsibilities for a host, and when food is served proper safety precautions must be followed.
If you’re planning a fairly large party — especially if it involves guests that aren’t family or close acquaintances — you may want to check with your insurance agent to make sure your coverage is adequate. Moreover, it’s a good idea to protect yourself and your belongings by taking some proactive measures to keep your home and guests safe.
Below is a checklist of things to consider before throwing a holiday bash.
Guest safety
Some guest safety precautions are obvious: If it’s icy on the driveway or sidewalks that your guests will be walking on, sprinkle salt or gravel on surfaces to make it less slippery. Make sure both outdoor and indoor areas are well lit. And if there dangerous areas where guests shouldn’t wander on the property, clearly mark them, perhaps with temporary fencing.
Food safety is also a must. TBe sure food is fresh and properly prepared to avoid sickness. Wash your hands a lot when handling food, and make sure foods that need refrigeration don’t linger out on the countertop. Or, hire a caterer to handle the food for you.
To avoid serving guests too much alcohol, some hosts hire a bartender who will be able to recognize signs of intoxication in revelers. Stop serving alcohol toward the end of the evening, switching to coffee, tea and other non-alcoholic drinks to help reduce the risk of guests leaving intoxicated. And if a guest has had too much to drink, call a cab service to get them home safely.
Forty-three states have social-host liability laws on the books, and while they vary from state to state, many of the laws offer someone who is injured — such as a victim of a drunk driver — the ability to sue the person who served the alcohol, according to the Insurance Information Institute. This means you can be held liable after the guest leaves the party, so take precautions to ensure less risk and check local law.
For your own protection, these precautions are especially important for larger gatherings. Your own cousin may not sue you, but a co-worker's spouse may.
Check the help
If you choose to hire a professional service, such as a caterer, bartender or valet, make sure to check that they’re properly insured.
If you hire a valet and the attendant backs a guest’s car into a tree, causing severe damage to the vehicle, the problem may be turned over to the valet company, but if the company’s liability insurance has lapsed or one is not in place a wronged party may try and then sue the host, alleging that the company wasn’t properly vetted.
Keep a guest list
If you are planning a big event make sure to have a guest list and make sure people check in, this will help keep unwanted/uninvited people out.
Consider the event type
While many liability issues are covered through homeowners insurance, some policies will have exclusions for certain event types.
Call your insurance agent before the event with details, to make sure you’re properly covered for the type of party you’re planning.
Protect your valuables
Put valuables, including expensive pieces of art, out of heavily trafficked areas. That limits the possibility of items being damaged and stops guests from slipping something pricey into pockets or purses.
Enjoy all your holiday parties, dinners and other gatherings.
Happy Holiday's from The Sales Team of Rummy Dhanoa
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