Many homeowners love a reason to celebrate and gather together with friends, and the 4th of July is right around the corner. One thing that sets this holiday apart of from others is the prevalence of fireworks, which can be exciting but also pose safety and fire risks. It can be a good idea to remind members of some basic safety guidelines as they gear up for the holiday:
Practice fire safety
If fireworks of any kind are going to be used, check state, local, and HOA rules regarding what is permitted. There are often restrictions on the size and type that can be used by homeowners. Before setting off any fireworks, make sure you are in an open area clear of trees, shrubbery, and anything else that could catch fire. Keep a fire extinguisher and buckets of water nearby just in case. Once fireworks or sparklers are used, make sure they are fully extinguished and disposed of properly.
If you’re grilling, pull the grill away from the side of the house or outside of the garage. Make sure that someone is always close by keeping watch, and never leave cooking food or a lit grill unattended. Know what to do in the event of a fire and how to safely extinguish it.
Practice pool safety
If everyone is gathering around the community pool to celebrate, ensure that rules are consistently enforced. This often means no glass or other breakable materials, no alcohol, and no running. Keep a close eye on children and anyone who enters the pool, especially if there is no lifeguard on duty. Knowing basic first aid and CPR can be beneficial to help keep everyone safer.
The HOA should ensure that safety equipment is easily accessible and the pool is well-maintained. Signs should be clearly posted detailing safety precautions and pool rules.
Practice pet safety
The sudden burst of fireworks can easily spook pets. Even if you don’t think your dog or cat may be bothered, ensure that before the action starts, they are secured inside your home. The last thing you want is for them to become scared and take off running or slip out an open door.
Practice driving safety
Since fireworks are best seen in the dark, that means that people will be out and about in the neighborhood later than they normally might be. There also may be more visitors than usual. Be very cautious when driving for individuals who may be crossing or walking along the street. Pay attention for children or pets as well who may dart out unexpectedly.
Celebrating the 4th of July can be a lot of fun and a wonderful way to bring the community together, but safety should be top of mind. The HOA can help ensure that everyone has a good time, stays safe, and follows the rules by sending out reminders and tips ahead of the holiday. Partnering with a property management company like Kuester can help HOAs to boost their communication and management efforts not just for holidays but all year long.
