Murfreesboro, TN – As you celebrate watching the big game with family and friends, it’s a good idea to educate yourself about your responsibilities as you welcome your party revelers.
While we intend for our guests to eat, drink, and be merry, sometimes accidents happen – and that can be a costly headache for a homeowner.
[1]Take precautions to ensure a Safe Super Bowl Party.
“There are a variety of situations or accidents that can occur that could put a serious damper on your party,” explains Kip Diggs, Media Relations for State Farm. “What if someone slips and falls, requires medical attention, or has too much to drink, then drives, and causes an accident? These situations are unpleasant to think about when planning a party, but homeowners should always make sure they are prepared for worst case scenarios.”
Before hosting a party, talk to your State Farm agent, broker, or insurance provider about your homeowner insurance policy. They will help you determine if you have adequate liability coverage.
Most homeowners/renters policies cover bodily injury, property damage, and will provide for legal defense should a homeowner get sued in civil court as a result of an occurrence that is covered by the policy.
Your agent can also help you determine if an umbrella policy is needed. Umbrella policies (also called Personal Liability Umbrella Policies) offer an additional level of protection beyond the limits of a homeowner policy.
Here are some tips for homeowners who are planning a party
- Warn guests to pay attention to any hazards on the property that they should avoid or take them by surprise; such as steep steps or a hole in the ground.
- Keep sidewalks, walkways and steps free of debris.
- Ensure there is adequate outdoor lighting during times when guests will be arriving and leaving.
- Take special care of items on the property that may attract children, like a swing set or tree house, and reinforce to guests that their children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
- Be prepared to have guests spend the night, appoint designated drivers, or have a local taxi service phone number easily available.
- Drink responsibly and have fun!
Everyone loves a party with friends to watch the big game—but some take the partying too far. Forty percent of the vehicle-related deaths that occurred after the big game in 2010 were due to drunk driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
These suggestions can help hosts and their guests keep the party—and the ride home—safer when the big game takes place this February.
Tips for the Home Team
- Serve plenty of food to help offset the effects of alcohol. Salty snacks can make people feel thirsty, so set a pitcher of water on the table as well.
- Stock coolers with non-alcoholic beverages for designated drivers and other guests who aren’t drinking.
- Stop serving alcoholic beverages when the fourth quarter begins.
- Avoid offering mixed beverages. Some mixers cause the body to absorb alcohol faster, and most make alcohol easier to drink.
- Reward designated drivers with perks like the prime parking spot or first dibs on seating near the big screen.
- Limit the number of drinks you yourself enjoy.
- Help your guests make travel arrangements with a designated driver or taxi. Make sure guests feel comfortable spending the night, if necessary.
Tips for the Visiting Team
- Leave your keys at home if you plan to drink. Arrange to have a designated driver pick you up and take you home, make plans to stay overnight or plan ahead and input a cab company’s number on your phone.
- Don’t drink on an empty stomach.
- Alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
- If you’re sober, keep an eye on friends who are drinking. Don’t be afraid to take away their keys.
- Extend a kind gesture to your designated driver, such as offering to pay for gas.
- Watch for drunk drivers during your ride home, and report suspects to the police.
- Always wear your seatbelt.