taurant or bar that has a liquor license, rather than in a home or office.

• Provide filling food for guests and alternative non-alcoholic beverages.

• Schedule entertainment or activities that do not involve alcohol.

• Arrange transportation or overnight accommodations for those who should not drive.

• Stop serving alcohol at least one hour before the party is scheduled to end.

• Do not serve guests who are visibly intoxicated.

• Consider hiring an off-duty police officer to discreetly monitor guests’ sobriety or handle any alcohol-re-lated problems as guests leave.

• Stay alert, always remembering your responsibilities as a host.

• Review your insurance policy with your agent before the event to ensure that you have the proper liability coverage.

Pool Safety

• Always fence in a pool in the yard, and check state and local ordinances for fence height requirements. Fencing should include a locked gate that should generally remain locked. Understand that pool owners are responsible and liable for anyone who comes on to their property and into their pool — even accidentally.

• Always cover an empty or partially empty pool in the off-season. Serious injuries can result from children or others jumping or falling into a pool that is not full. When possible, consider an easily retractable pool cover to seal the pool anytime it is not in use, even in the summer.

• Never let children swim alone and keep a properly maintained supply of safety equipment in plain view of all swimmers, including life rings and other floats, lines, and a first aid kit.

• Maintain the pool properly. Check pools edges thoroughly at the beginning and end of each season to ensure that no tile, concrete or oth-

“Asking guests to
stop drinking at your
summer party can be
very awkward. However
protecting your family
and your guests is
more important than an
uncomfortable exchange
at the neighborhood
pool party.”

Madelyn Flannagan

er material has come loose. Sun and other elements can damage these edges and pose a hazard to those who step or pull up on them. Always use a non-slip, quick-drying material to avoid injuries on walkways and other areas surrounding the pool.

• Drowning is the No. 1 cause of death among children under five. Have a family member take a safety course to become Red Cross certified to help in the event of an emergency.

• Insureds should tell their insurance agent if they install a backyard pool. Some homeowners policies exclude pools, and extra coverage will be needed. They should ensure that they have adequate liability insurance.

Grills and Outdoor Pits

• Thoroughly clean gas grill at beginning of season. Replace and maintain fire extinguisher near but not on the grill at all times. Never throw a match in a grill, especially after the gas has been on three seconds.

• Never wear a loose apron or loose clothing while grilling. Always wear shoes.

• Always use the grill’s starter button. If the starter is broken, do not use the grill.

• Cover the grill to avoid corrosion and rusting in both the controls and gas line. Rust can make grill controls hard to read and make the starter button difficult to depress. Consider using a grill with an automatic starter rather than a button starter.

• Avoid cooking foods with a high fat content which can produce high flames. Always thoroughly cook food to a safe temperature.

• Never throw away grill instructions or owner’s manual. Follow manufacturer’s directions carefully.

• Outdoor fire pits are often low to the ground and could be alluring to children. Make sure to keep children away even long after the fire has been extinguished. Fire pits can hold heat for several hours after the flames are gone.

Boats

• Understand liability and risks. The homeowners policy is not designed to cover significant watercraft exposures, and consumers should contact their agent to see if coverage can be added or if they need a separate watercraft policy that fully covers damage to the boat, liability, and uninsured boaters.