Whether watching for the game or for the commercials, many Oklahomans will enjoy the
Super Bowl at a party. If you’re hosting an event this year, there are several insurance
implications to consider before the celebration begins.

First, it’s a good idea to review the liability section of your homeowners’ or renters’
insurance policy. It’s important to understand your coverage in case you are sued or
deemed liable for an accident involving one of your guests. If you need help
understanding your policy, call your insurance agent or insurance company.

Here’s a look at some other top insurance issues when hosting a Super Bowl party:

Accident Prevention

The weather can cause some hazards for your guests.
Make sure sidewalks and stairs are clear of ice and any other trip and fall hazards.
Inside your house, move any breakable items away from where you’ll host
cheering fans. Be aware that if your friend’s enthusiastic celebration of a
touchdown knocks your 60-inch, flat screen TV off its stand, accidental breakage
is typically excluded from your homeowners’ or rental policy.

Food and Fire Safety

Super Bowl food usually involves grilling or frying.
Make sure you’re not leaving the grill or kitchen unattended. Also, ensure your
fire extinguisher is within reach and your home’s smoke detectors are in working
order. To help avoid the possibility of food poisoning, don’t keep food out at
room temperature for more than two hours.

Pets

The noise of a Super Bowl party can get out of control, and some pets
don’t handle it well. To keep your guests free of animal bites, and to make sure
Fido is calm, designate a quiet area for him to feel safe and secure. Keeping your
pet away from guests will also ensure that no one feeds him food that could cause
major health problems.

Finally, a big concern this Sunday is driving under the influence of alcohol. According to
Mothers Against Drunk Driving, nearly half of all U.S. traffic fatalities in 2015 were
caused by drunk driving on Super Bowl Sunday. You can be held responsible if someone
you served ends up in a drunk-driving crash. For your Super Bowl party, keep these tips
in mind:

• • Offer non-alcoholic drinks to reduce the chance of impaired driving
  • Serve a lot of food
  • Consider hiring a professional bartender
  • Limit how much your guests drink
  • Stop serving alcohol toward the end of the evening and begin to serve coffee and
    dessert
  • Select a non-drinking designated driver before the partying starts
  • Encourage your guests to not drink and drive. Offer them a bed or couch to sleep on or pay for a ride-sharing service to take them home

The Super Bowl is an annual, American tradition that can be fun when you take the right
steps to protect you, your property and your guests.