It is hard to believe the holidays are almost here!  From mid-October through New Year’s, everyone is getting ready to party.  We have heard horror stories (no pun intended) of Halloween costumes going up in flames with people still in them to the tragic deaths of teens and adults killed from alcohol intake or drunk driving incidents after work- and home-related social events.  Here are some tips to ensure the party you host or attend keeps you and yours safe!

Party Hosts

If you are the socialite that plans and hosts parties every year, keep these safety tips in mind.  It is easy to become distracted when preparing and decorating as well as when guests begin to arrive.  You have to balance food on the burner or in the oven, burning candles (where and when), addressing kids and pets before and during the event, and a host of other concerns related to guest needs and behavior.  If alcohol is part of the event, the host is always legally and morally responsible for the condition of the guest leaving the party in an attempt to travel home or elsewhere.  The host sets the ground rules and lives with the consequences resulting from them.

If alcohol is involved, the host (or parents of the teen host) is also responsible to ensure there is no under-age drinking.  We’re talking jail-time here, not just simply a fine.  Court appearances, hiring an attorney, paying the fine, and your guest appearance on the evening news are all actions you cannot afford as a result of a misguided or unsupervised party.

Track your guest list and, even though it’s your right to host a party in your house, be neighbor-friendly with vehicle parking and noise levels so it doesn’t turn into a ‘dispute’ requiring law enforcement or rescue squads.

Food safety is important – what and how you cook it, when and how long it is left out, and what you choose to do with the left-out left-overs will decide whether you or your guests have fun or have dysentery!

Pets should be kept in another room away from guests to reduce their stress and the risk of them eating or drinking something that could kill them.

Party Attendance

If you are attending a party, you also have a responsibility related to your actions and behavior.  If it is a costume party, wear something ‘safe.’  The wrapped ‘mummy’ may look cool, but heats up quickly when it bursts into flames with you in it.

Drink responsibly and eat – before showing up, if necessary, to reduce any influence of alcohol.  Parents:  let your teen attend a party only if you are comfortable with the supervision, the guest list, and the planned activities.  You are responsible for your teen 24/7.  You don’t get to pass off your parental job to someone else.

This is certainly not all-inclusive, but this serves as a reminder to be safe.  Enjoy the party!