As the days grow longer, temperatures rise, and the scent of barbecue fills the air, it can only mean one thing: the 4th of July is right around the corner. Independence Day is a time for celebration, gathering with loved ones, and honoring our nation’s history. However, amidst the festivities, it’s crucial not to overlook the importance of safety, especially when protecting what matters most – our loved ones and our assets. In this blog post, we will discuss crucial safety measures to ensure a memorable and accident-free 4th of July celebration.
Host Liquor Liability
The 4th of July gatherings are a time of joy and celebration, but they come with many risks, especially when alcohol is involved. At Deland, Gibson, we often get asked this time of year, “What is the liability involved with hosting a party, and does my homeowners insurance cover host liquor liability?” The short answer is that it can depend on the policy, but consumers may often find themselves interested in pursuing additional liquor liability insurance.
If you plan to host a 4th of July party this season, it’s worth brushing up on the associated risks. While homeowners insurance can provide some coverage for the risks associated with a social gathering, having proper protection for your party or event can significantly reduce risk and provide peace of mind.
Check out our Host Liquor Liability blog for more information.
Grilling Accidents
Grilling is a staple of the 4th of July celebrations; the two go hand-in-hand. However, it’s crucial to prioritize safety when grilling.
Every year, according to the National Fire Protection Association, an average of 19,700 patients with grilling-related injuries visit emergency rooms across the country.
These accidents can easily be avoided by following some simple precautions:
- Position the grill correctly: Place your grill on a level surface away from any structures, trees, or flammable materials. Ensure proper ventilation to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Keep children and pets away: Create a safety zone around the grill and ensure children and pets stay at least three feet away to prevent accidental burns.
- Never leave the grill unattended: Always remain vigilant and never leave the grill unattended, especially if there are children nearby.
- Properly dispose of charcoal: Allow the coals to cool completely before disposing of them in a metal container. Do not dispose of hot coals in a trash can or near flammable materials.
Swimming Pool Safety
Swimming pools can bring much fun and entertainment at summer gatherings, especially over the 4th of July weekend. However, swimming pools have many risks, including drowning and injuries, especially if alcohol is involved.
To ensure everyone’s safety:
- Supervise swimming activities: Assign responsible adults to keep an eye on swimmers, particularly young children, or inexperienced swimmers.
- Ensure proper fencing: Install a sturdy fence around the pool area to prevent unsupervised access, especially for children.
- Keep lifesaving equipment nearby: Have life jackets, a reaching pole, and a first aid kit readily available in case of emergencies.
For more details on swimming pool insurance, check out our recent blog post, Insuring Your Swimming Pool.
Fireworks & Sparklers
Fireworks are a beloved tradition for people celebrating the 4th of July. However, there are many risks associated with lighting fireworks. An estimated 8,500 fireworks-related injuries occurred between June 18 and July 18 in 2021.
To stay safe this year and prevent fires, leave the fireworks to the professionals! Check if your town has any firework displays that you can attend.
If you plan to light sparklers, keep children from handling them. Consider safer options for fireworks and sparklers, such as:
- Glow sticks
- Streamers
- Colorful light show
Concerns with Drinking & Driving
A significant concern with the 4th of July celebrations is the host’s liability for guests that may drink alcohol and choose to drive, whether that be a car or a boat. Should a guest drink at your party and have an accident while driving, the host could be found liable by either the guest themselves or a third party if involved in the accident. If a third party was injured in an accident where the responsible party had been served alcohol, the third party could pursue damages against the host as the one responsible for serving the driver alcohol. As the host of the party where alcohol was served, this can present a significant risk and a liability that your homeowner’s insurance may not cover.
From 2017 to 2021, 1,460 drivers died in motor vehicle traffic crashes over the Fourth of July holiday period — 38% of the drivers killed were drunk.
If you are hosting a celebration, you should ensure that no one who consumes alcohol will be driving a vehicle.
Contact Deland, Gibson
To mitigate risk and provide peace of mind, contact Deland, Gibson today to ensure you have proper protection before your 4th of July celebrations.
Deland, Gibson Insurance: Providing Peace of Mind Through Proactive Service
Deland, Gibson: A Trusted Choice, Five Star Accredited independent insurance agency. Established in Massachusetts in 1900, Deland, Gibson is a 4th generation family-run insurance agency that has thrived working as a trusted advisor for its client base. We work with individuals and businesses to lower their Total Cost of Risk. We analyze a client’s direct and indirect costs and implement risk reduction plans to address areas of business, hazard, or strategic risk.
