The Hidden Safety Risks of Planning an Event
Last month we talked about the hidden costs associated with planning an event. In addition to costs, there are also hidden safety risks that may affect your guests' well being. Safety risks take many forms, from location issues to food and drink problems and more. The following are some of the most common.
Location risks: Locations, particularly outdoor ones, may contain several safety risks. The water feature that initially attracted you to the venue may prove to be an attractive hazard. Be very careful when a large group gathers near a pond, river, lake, pool or even a large fountain, particularly when children or alcohol is involved. Before allowing guests to operate canoes, row boats, jet skis and other water craft, be sure they wear life jackets and have had instruction, if necessary. If you are planning a pool party, ask a friend to serve as life guard.
In addition to water, fences, particularly barbed wire and electric fences, sprinkler heads, landscape rocks and other elements may cause harm, particularly if children are running and not watching where they are going.
Insects, particularly mosquitoes that may carry West Nile Virus, and bees may also be a problem. Providing insect repellent spray and setting out bee traps may help.
Food poisoning: Unfortunately, food poisoning occurs all too often, particularly at summer outdoor events. The three most common culprits are Ranch-style salad dressings, deviled eggs and seafood. Health department regulations recommend that food not sit at room temperature for more than 1.5 hours. However, you may not know how long that container of dressing sat on a counter or in a car before it was placed on the table; it may have been unrefrigerated much longer than it should have been.
When planning an outdoor event on a hot day, be sure to provide ice to keep foods cold. You or your caterer can fill a large bowl or tub with ice, cover it with a plastic table cloth, then insert a bowl of seafood salad or deviled eggs to keep them cold. (One local caterer uses a small copper fire pit for this purpose.)
Drink issues: The risks associated with beverages are most often related to the consumer, not the product. Serving too much alcohol creates a huge potential risk if a guest drinks too much. Idaho's host liability law makes event hosts liable for the actions of their guests. To limit problems, control the amount of alcohol available and consider stopping service 30 minutes to an hour before the party ends. Also bring out the coffee if necessary.
Fire: Any type of fire has the potential to create problems. I have had three fires at events, all caused by guests' careless behavior around votive candles. One was caused by a cloth napkin placed over a candle (most napkins contain polyester and will melt and burn); the other two were caused by programs placed on or near candles. Be particularly careful if using sparklers. They emit sparks that can burn clothing, skin or hair.
Animals: An excited dog or a skittish horse can be a hazard to anyone, particularly children. Consider boarding pets or keeping guests away from corrals and kennels.
Don't let safety risks prevent you from having a lovely event. Rather, be aware of them and take appropriate measures to reduce or eliminate the risk.
Location risks: Locations, particularly outdoor ones, may contain several safety risks. The water feature that initially attracted you to the venue may prove to be an attractive hazard. Be very careful when a large group gathers near a pond, river, lake, pool or even a large fountain, particularly when children or alcohol is involved. Before allowing guests to operate canoes, row boats, jet skis and other water craft, be sure they wear life jackets and have had instruction, if necessary. If you are planning a pool party, ask a friend to serve as life guard.
In addition to water, fences, particularly barbed wire and electric fences, sprinkler heads, landscape rocks and other elements may cause harm, particularly if children are running and not watching where they are going.
Insects, particularly mosquitoes that may carry West Nile Virus, and bees may also be a problem. Providing insect repellent spray and setting out bee traps may help.
Food poisoning: Unfortunately, food poisoning occurs all too often, particularly at summer outdoor events. The three most common culprits are Ranch-style salad dressings, deviled eggs and seafood. Health department regulations recommend that food not sit at room temperature for more than 1.5 hours. However, you may not know how long that container of dressing sat on a counter or in a car before it was placed on the table; it may have been unrefrigerated much longer than it should have been.
When planning an outdoor event on a hot day, be sure to provide ice to keep foods cold. You or your caterer can fill a large bowl or tub with ice, cover it with a plastic table cloth, then insert a bowl of seafood salad or deviled eggs to keep them cold. (One local caterer uses a small copper fire pit for this purpose.)
Drink issues: The risks associated with beverages are most often related to the consumer, not the product. Serving too much alcohol creates a huge potential risk if a guest drinks too much. Idaho's host liability law makes event hosts liable for the actions of their guests. To limit problems, control the amount of alcohol available and consider stopping service 30 minutes to an hour before the party ends. Also bring out the coffee if necessary.
Fire: Any type of fire has the potential to create problems. I have had three fires at events, all caused by guests' careless behavior around votive candles. One was caused by a cloth napkin placed over a candle (most napkins contain polyester and will melt and burn); the other two were caused by programs placed on or near candles. Be particularly careful if using sparklers. They emit sparks that can burn clothing, skin or hair.
Animals: An excited dog or a skittish horse can be a hazard to anyone, particularly children. Consider boarding pets or keeping guests away from corrals and kennels.
Don't let safety risks prevent you from having a lovely event. Rather, be aware of them and take appropriate measures to reduce or eliminate the risk.
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