Millions of Americans are preparing to host a Super Bowl party this year. If you’re one of them, you may be thinking about the guest list, the menu, and the decorations, but are you thinking about the risks you’re signing up for too? We don’t normally think of the risks associated with having a few friends over to watch the game. Unfortunately, there are risks, so it’s your job to be a responsible host.
Call Your Insurance Agent: First, you should call your insurance agent to discuss what vulnerabilities you have as a host. Look at the liability coverage in your homeowners or renters insurance policy to see what you’re covered for.
Menu: You have to be extremely careful of the food you serve your guests. Even if the food was purchased by a caterer or brought by another guest, YOU could be held liable if someone becomes sick. If you’re using an outside vendor, make sure it’s one that you trust. Inspect all food before you serve it, and if you question it being spoiled, don’t serve it.
If one of your guests has dietary restrictions, don’t dismiss them. Either accommodate them or recommend they bring a dish that they can safely eat.
Alcohol Consumption: Depending on the incident, party hosts can be held liable if a guest is involved in an alcohol-related accident. What this means is, if a guest or third party is injured in an accident that is related to alcohol consumption and the drinking can be linked to you, you could be held responsible. Do not serve alcohol to guests that are under the age of 21.
Let Them Stay the Night: Be prepared to let intoxicated guests stay the night or arrange for a taxi to drive them home. Super Bowl Sunday is one of the most hazardous driving days of the year, especially when impaired motorists drive home after the parties.
Don’t Forget about Your Pets!
To ensure a successful party, make sure you take care of your pets too. Don’t allow your pets to eat or drink any of the following popular party items.
Bones and Fat Trimmings: Bones can cause obstructions in pets’ digestive tracts and also lead to choking. Fat trimmed from meats can cause pancreatitis in dogs.
Alcohol: Alcohol is a toxin and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, coma or death in pets.
Caffeinated Beverages: Caffeine can be toxic to pets and lead to abnormal heart rhythms, seizure and death.
Dairy: Dairy products, such as ice cream and cheese, can upset their digestive tracts and cause stomach distress and diarrhea.
Chocolate: Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which can be fatal to pets.
Nuts: Certain nuts can poison your pets. A mere handful can cause your pet to experience muscle tremors, weakness, vomiting, fever and an elevated heart rate. They are also a choking hazard.
Salty Snacks & Dip: Onions and garlic are found in most dips and destroy pets’ red blood cells. Salty foods can cause excessive thirst, urination and sodium poisoning.
Guacamole: Avocado contains persin, a substance that may be fatal to birds. The pit is also a choking hazard for any pet.
Hosting a Super Bowl party comes with a lot of responsibility, but you need to have fun too. What’s more appropriate for a Super Bowl party than a stadium of snacks! Check out these awesome stadiums by Good Morning America made entirely of your favorite snacks.
Have a great Super Bowl and remember to stay safe!
