Everyone loves a backyard party! Whether it’s a BBQ, graduation party, birthday or family reunion, it’s time for friends and family to get together and have some fun. With that said, we want to keep the party going by implementing some very simple backyard party safety tips.

Backyard Party Safety Tips

Available Space

It is so important to have enough space available so your everyone can move safely around your property. When you and your vendors are setting up and tearing down, there is often equipment that needs space to be maneuvered around the party area. If renting a tent or bounce house you must also check for enough space clear from any wires and tree branches.

Underground Utilities

If you plan to use a piece of equipment that needs to be anchored to the ground, the underground utilities must be marked by your local utility notification center (ex. Miss Dig).

If you are hiring a vendor to supply such equipment, it is the vendors responsibility to make the arrangements with the notification center. It’s important to note, your local utility notification center will require a minimum number of days notice prior to the day any staking takes place.

Proper Use of Equipment

As a DJ, I love to see all of the guests at a party dance the night away. However, all dancing must be done on the dance floor and not on tables and chairs. I’m a little surprised that I have to mention this, but being in the event industry my entire life, I’ve pretty much seen it all!

Proper Lighting

Lighting is often overlooked when planning an outdoor party. There are many inexpensive ways to add lighting to your event space. If renting a tent, many tent companies will add lighting for a very small fee or even add it for free to gain your business. The important thing is to make sure there is plenty of light so nobody trips on tent stakes, exposed tree roots or any item that is on the ground.

Equipment Weight Capacity

This backyard party safety tip can’t be stressed enough. Especially with chairs. A very common weight capacity with standard white folding chairs is 300 – 350 pounds. This sounds like it would support almost anybody, but that is not at all true. There are plenty of people that weigh more than that, plus through time a chair’s weight capacity will reduce. I always recommend a chair that is rated for at least 700 pounds.