Party Planning Secret No. 10 – Safety at your Party

Safety – Making It a Priority

Using the Fire Extinguisher
Follow the fire department’s “PASS system”
1. Pull the pin.
2. Aim the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the flames.
3. Squeeze the trigger while holding the extinguisher upright.
4. Sweep the extinguisher from side to side, covering the area of the fire with the extinguishing agent.

NOTE: Be aware that fire extinguishers have different grades. For instance, a water-type extinguisher would spread a grease fire. A higher-grade extinguisher can douse most kinds of fires, whether it’s a grease fire or a napkin that was accidentally set on the stove.

Party Charlie Safety Tips

If you’re using lights for design purposes – – for instance, reflecting color lights off the walls – don’t place bulbs near objects that can catch fire easily. The heat from a bulb can be intense.

Always make sure the light fixtures are secured and won’t tip over and burn the carpet or any other items.

Make sure electrical/extension cords are firmly plugged in. Noth doing so can cause sparks at the outlet.

Tuck away or tape down cords so guests won’t trip over them.

Post emergency numbers next to the phone, including the local fire department, police department, and poison control center. We all know 911, but these days, you can’t rely on 911 alone.

Check that your smoke detectors are in working order.

If you’re having a large backyard party and expect people to be swimming in the pool, it’s a good idea to have a lifeguard on hand. Some states have laws requiring that you have a lifeguard. Children must always be supervised. Also, only use plastic-ware around the pool. If someone breaks something in the pool, you may have to drain it!

Keep watch over the self-service bar area to make sure no underage drinkers are serving themselves (or being served.)

Close the bar approximately 30 minutes before the end of the party and serve only water, soft drinks, and coffee so guests have a chance to sober up.

Don’t use anything breakable (such as a glass) to scoop out ice for your drinks. If the glass cracks without your noticing it, shards and splinters could end up in the drinks.

Keep entrances and exits clear of clutter.

Never put knives in a soapy sink. You may reach in later and … OUCH!

Always clean and put knives away after you use them, even if you plan to use them again in the next few minutes.

Never place a knife on the edge of your counter.

Keep floors dry and clean up spills immediately.

When cooking, always keep pot handles turned in. This will prevent someone from knocking a pot off the stove or a child from touching it.

Have a flash-light and first aid kit available.

Have fun and enjoy yourself! Charlie Scola, affectionately known as Party Charlie and author of “Party Planning Secrets”, is a leading innovator in the party planning industry for over 30 years providing party planning advice, entertainment, design, staffing, rentals and more. Party Charlie’s goal is to continuously deliver the newest and most unique party entertainment and supplies available making your party a huge success.

For more information, please visit www.PartyCharlie.com or call Charlie directly at 310-542-1234.

Party Charley is a show on Actors Reporter on the Actors Podcast Network, a Pepper Jay Production. The content of Party Charley is courtesy of Charley Scola, the author of “party planning secrets – the ultimate guide to a successful party.”