Holiday Party Safety Checklist

The holiday season is a time for celebration and joyful gatherings, and safety measures should be at the top of any holiday preparation list. If you’re planning a Thanksgiving or Christmas party, follow these safety guidelines to help keep everyone safe:

• Create a fire escape plan for your family and ensure house guests are aware of it as well. For helpful advice on crafting an effective plan, check out our guide on developing a fire escape plan.
• If some of your guests are smokers, politely ask them to smoke outside. Provide them with large, deep ashtrays and remind smokers to keep their smoking materials away from young children.
• When using decorative lights, ensure they are safety-tested and approved. Inspect all strings, discarding or repairing any with broken bulb sockets, frayed wiring, or loose connections. For additional advice, explore our home safety tips for Thanksgiving to keep your celebrations safe.
• Consider food safety: do not let food sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If the temperature is above 85 degrees, you can leave food out in the room for only 1 hour.
• Be aware of your pets’ interactions with your guests. Make sure your guests are comfortable with your pets and vice versa. Consider keeping your pets in a closed room or elsewhere.
• Be mindful when serving alcohol to your guests. As the host, you should not let any inebriated guests drive after the party. Have a designated driver (who won’t consume alcohol) for each group or call a taxi. Provide plenty of food to your guests to diminish the effects of alcohol.
• When the party is over, walk around the home and ensure fireplaces and candles are extinguished. Turn off any unnecessary appliances and gather any potential hazards, such as sharp or flammable objects, and put them in a safe place.

Celebrate responsibly by following essential holiday safety tips to keep your gatherings safe and enjoyable. For additional guidance, explore our home fire safety checklist for valuable winter fire safety advice. If you require professional fire, water, or mould restoration services, contact your local PuroClean office.