12 Essential Big Game Safety Tips

Big Game parties are often a great reason for friends and family to get together for food, drinks, cheering your favorite team on to victory, and watching the commercials that everyone will be talking about. Whether you’re attending a Big Game party, hosting one, or going to your favorite sports bar, exercising the utmost Big Game safety is essential. If you, your family, or friends do suffer an injury during or after the Big Game because of another person’s negligence or recklessness, call Mike Brandner Law. Our New Orleans personal injury lawyers are available 24/7 to help you when you need it the most.

To help you and your family stay safe, here are 12 Big Game safety tips to help prepare for a super Sunday and ensure everyone’s safety. 

Big Game Safety Go Time!

Are you heading out for this year’s Big Game? Whether you are going to a bar or staying in, there are a number of safety precautions you should keep in mind. Please note the latest vaccination and masking requirements from the Louisiana Department of Health if you plan to watch the game at a bar or restaurant.

Be Aware of Food Allergies

Food allergies are not something to take lightly. You will most likely know who’s allergic to what within your household. However, if you plan on hosting a small, social-distanced gathering that includes other guests, check with them before the party so that you have time to plan alternative food options and not cross-contaminate food. 

Same notification idea applies if you have allergies and plan to attend a gathering hosted outside of your home. Just make sure that you are careful and bring your allergy medicine or your Epipen with you.

Know Your Surroundings

Making note of your new surroundings is a simple Big Game safety tip that’s often overlooked. Take a few seconds to note exits in case of a fire or unwelcome intruder. Also, look around for potential hazards. 

Your host may have forgotten to fix the crack in his sidewalk, or perhaps they didn’t take care of their slippery front steps. If you’re injured due to a negligent homeowner or business owner, you may be entitled to compensation through a premises liability lawsuit.

Dress Appropriately

Depending on your location, you may be watching this year’s Big Game outdoors. Make sure you are prepared for any condition by dressing in layers to include a waterproof outer layer. A sturdy pair of shoes or boots with grippy soles can also help protect against slip-and-fall accidents and other types of injuries on slick surfaces.

Wash Your Hands

One of the main safety precautions we’ve all seen since the onset of the Louisiana COVID-19 pandemic is to frequently wash our hands for at least 20 seconds with antibacterial soap. If you are hosting a gathering, make sure that you have soap ready for guests to use. If your plans include going to a friend’s home or a bar, you should also wash your hands frequently or bring your own antibacterial hand sanitizer.   

Additionally, do not share drinks. Germs are spread easily and, especially if you are not usually around children, you may leave the party with an oncoming cold or flu.

Consume Alcohol Responsibly

You don’t want to be “that guy that got hammered at the Big Game party.” Follow these tips to enjoy the party responsibly:

• Monitor your alcohol consumption and try not to drink over your limit. Also, drink water in between alcoholic options.
• Eat while you drink so the food can soak up some of the alcohol in your stomach.
• Finally, plan your ride home. Whether you have a designated driver or use a rideshare service, it is of utmost importance in order to prevent drunk driving.

If the Big Game doesn’t end up a win for you or your loved ones, contact Mike Brandner Law immediately. Our personal injury lawyers help people win compensation for all kinds of accidents, such as product defects, slip and falls, and car wrecks.

Big Game Safety at Home

Keep Your Children and Pets Safe

You will want to kid-proof your home by putting small items that could pose a choking hazard out of reach. Additionally, remove table top lamps and breakables that could be knocked over by exuberant children or “big kids” celebrating a good play.

Also, when it comes to pets, ask any guests not to feed them human snacks. This helps to avoid choking, poisoning, and digestive problems. Furthermore, never share alcoholic or caffeinated drinks with Fido, because even small amounts can harm them.

Anchor Away

Big games mean big televisions, so ensure yours won’t tip over and potentially fall on someone. Make sure wall-mounted televisions are secured according to manufacturer recommendations.

Tip-proof freestanding televisions by setting them on a short, stable stand, and pushing them all the way to the back. Install safety anchors and anti-tip devices for added safety.Take similar precautions for large furniture that could also be tipped over.

Finally, secure all cords and cables out of children’s reach and to prevent trip hazards and electrocution accidents. 

Slip-Proof Your Home

You’ll want to do a pre-game check for slip or trip hazards inside and outside your home. Firstly, inspect outdoor walkways for loose or protruding paving that could cause trip hazards. Secondly, gather up yard tools, toys, and other objects guests can trip over, and ensure you have adequate lighting after dark. Next, take a scan of outdoor areas open to guests. A Big Game party held during New Orleans’ rainy season could also make outdoor surfaces slippery.

Lastly, check inside your home for loose rugs, cords running across floors, and unnecessary clutter that could cause a nasty fall. You will also want to block stairs to prevent youngsters from taking a tumble, and ensure handrails are secure for everyone’s safety.

Focus On Food and Grill Safety

When preparing your game-day feast, be aware of food allergies and keep raw foods away from ready-to-eat foods to prevent cross contamination. To keep your game day buffet safe throughout the day:

• Always rinse fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
• Avoid using nut-based cleaning products.
• Keep hot foods hot by placing them in slow cookers or warming trays.
• Use a food thermometer to ensure meat and other foods cook completely.
• Keep cold foods cold by nesting small bowls of food inside larger bowls filled with ice.
• Track how long food stays out and toss perishable items kept at room temperature for more than two hours.
• Ask guests about allergies ahead of time, and provide alternatives for them.

And when grilling:

• Keep your grill at least 10 feet from your home and never grill inside your garage.
• Keep a spray bottle filled with water or a water hose handy to douse any fire flare-ups. This is crucial in preventing burn injuries.

With these food safety tips, everyone is sure to leave your party without a knot in their stomach.

Booze Patrol

When alcohol is a major component of your game day festivities, our New Orleans personal injury law firm reminds you to always keep the safety of your household members, guests, and others in mind. Drinking responsibly is a tremendous part of Big Game safety. Prevent partygoers from becoming a drunk driving statistic by:

• Serving snacks throughout the game, including more substantial food on a well-stocked buffet.
• Serving coffee and desserts during the fourth quarter to discourage further alcohol consumption.
• Having plenty of other drink choices available besides beer, wine, and spirits.

Unlike some states, Louisiana doesn’t have social host liability laws or dram laws that hold you responsible if an inebriated guest causes an accident and/or injures someone. But “Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk,” so never allow drunk guests to drive.

Have at least one designated driver to take impaired guests home or set up areas for them to stay the night. There are also numerous cab companies that serve various New Orleans’s neighborhoods. Having a ride-sharing service app on your phone will go a long way to keeping your guests safe, too.

Finally, if your young fans include older adolescents, don’t serve them alcohol, and make sure they can’t gain access to intoxicating beverages.

Hire a Top New Orleans Personal Injury Law Firm

Mike Brandner Law hopes you have a safe Big Game day, but if you suffer a personal injury due to someone’s negligence, please give us a call at one of the phone numbers listed below. Our Louisiana personal injury law firm is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but we’re available 24/7 to take your call, or use our convenient LiveChat. We always offer free consultations and never charge a fee until we win your case.