The Fourth of July is one of those holidays that brings neighbors out of their homes to celebrate with their communities. The warm weather, the smell of barbecue and the excitement of the summer season makes everyone feel a little more care-free. However, even with the fun and excitement of the holiday, there are still rules and regulations to be followed and risks to be had. Certain actions or activities can create safety risks for your community members as well as liability risks for your community associations, so it’s important to be proactive in addressing any risks before the celebration starts.
Here are some of the top 4th of July Risks for Community Associations and how to address them:
Barbecues and Grills
Grilling and Independence Day go hand-in-hand. Residents will likely be occupying any and every available grill in the community, and some may even want to use their own grills, which may be in violation of association guidelines depending on the type of grill. Here are a few tips for your association clients:
- Send out a reminder to residents about any types of grills that are not permitted per the association guidelines.
- Check that all community grills are clean and in working order.
- Make sure there are clear instructions and rules regarding the operation of community grills in a place that is visible to residents. Rules should include not drinking while operating the grill, not placing any flammable items nearby the grilling area and not leaving the grill unattended.
- Ensure there are adequate fire safety measures taken such as fire extinguishers and fire buckets in any area where grilling will be taking place.
Pools and Spas
The warm weather will most certainly have more residents and their visitors taking advantage of the pools and spas around the community. Your community pools and spas have likely already been prepared for the summer through cleaning and treating and you probably already have lifeguards or pool monitors, but there are a few more things you can do to make them safer for everyone.
- Ensure all signage is up-to-date and easy to read. Signs get faded in the sun, and it’s important that rules, regulations and emergency procedures are clearly posted around the pool area.
- Strongly enforce guest allowance rules. Some residents may have a lot of visitors and may try to bend the rules in the favor by sneaking in more guests than they are allowed. This is not only a safety issue, but can also cause animosity among other residents who are following the guest allowance rules.
Fireworks
Whether or not your municipality allows fireworks, residents may choose to set them off anyway. Place signs around the community to remind residents of the rules regarding firework usage, and have the local non-emergency line handy in the event that any residents are being unsafe with fireworks.
Alcohol
It’s not uncommon for Fourth of July festivities to include alcohol. From cold beers to festive cocktails, there are a number of popular beverages for Independence Day parties. However, associations need to ensure that they are prepared for the additional liabilities that alcohol can bring, such as the potential for accident, illness, property damage, or liquor liability. Associations will also need to thoroughly communicate to residents their rules regarding the consumption of alcohol in common areas and ensure that they are protected with insurance policies.
About Kevin Davis Insurance Services
For over 35 years, Kevin Davis Insurance Services has built an impressive reputation as a strong wholesale broker offering insurance products for the community association industry. Our President Kevin Davis and his team take pride in offering committed services to the community association market and providing them with unparalleled access to high-quality coverage, competitive premiums, superior markets, and detailed customer service. To learn more about the coverage we offer, contact us toll-free at (877) 807-8708 to speak with one of our representatives.