“O’er the land of the free, and the home of the brave” – throwing a 4th of July party is for the brave alright. Prepare for the “it could be worse” case scenarios when hosting in your home with these immediate solutions for 4th of July mishaps.
It’s that time of the year again where red plastic cups, and Star-Spangled Banner-inspired food reign at friendly gatherings. No matter how much we plan to keep parties safe, little accidents can still happen. Luckily, we’ve got a slew of tips and tricks to keep the party going and put your mind at ease.
Here’s how you can deal with these potential hazards!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
If someone spills something on the couch
Spillage on couches is the most common household mishap, especially when alcohol is involved. But it doesn’t mean your couch is done for when it happens. Here’s what you need to quickly clean the mess with items you already have at home.
The culprit: Grease stains
What you need:
- Baking soda or cornstarch
- Vacuum
How to fix it:
Sprinkle the baking soda or cornstarch over the stain, leave it for 15-30 mins, then vacuum it up. If the stain is still there, repeat the whole process.
The culprit: Coffee or tea stains
What you need:
- White vinegar
- Water
- Clean cloth
How to fix it:
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, then gently dab the mixture onto the stain. Blot the stain with a clean cloth to absorb it.
The culprit: Red wine stains
What you need:
- Hydrogen peroxide or bleach
- Dish soap
- Clean cloth
How to fix it:
Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and dish soap then apply it onto the stain. Blot with a clean cloth to absorb it.
General stains
- Dish soap
- Warm water
- Clean cloth
How to fix it:
Mix 1 tablespoon of dish soap with 2 cups of warm water before applying it to the stain. Blot with a clean cloth afterwards.
Remember to always test out the solution on a small area of the couch first to make sure it doesn’t cause any damage!
For more tips on how to clean other types of sofa stains, check out this article here:
How to remove couch stains easily with household items
Can’t imagine cleaning all that off the sofa after your 4th of July party? Check out Comfort Works’ Performance Weave sofa covers that are liquid-resistant:
Comfort Works Performance Weave sofa covers
If someone falls into the pool
Besides suffering from embarrassment, falling or slipping into a pool can be dangerous. But before anything else, keep calm and think with a level-headed attitude. Here’s what you need to do when it happens.
Prep these beforehand:
- Portable pool fences. You can place these around the busiest part of the party, and move them around as necessary.
- First aid kit. Always an essential!
- Plenty of towels
How to fix the situation:
- Check if your guest is conscious and able to move, help them (gently) out of the pool and make sure they’re okay.
- If they’re unconscious or appear to be injured, immediately call for emergency medical services.
- Remember to keep a first-aid kit handy at all times! If your guest sustains any light injuries, treat them immediately.
- Inform other guests about the incident and review safety measures to prevent further incidents.
Remember to keep your tone calm and comforting so as to not alarm your guest or cause others to panic; a nice warm mug of tea or hot chocolate for them won’t hurt too!
If you run out of alcohol
Probably one of the biggest “Oh no” scenarios we can think of happening at a 4th of July party! Most stores would be closed so being prepared ahead of time is the best option. (We always advise safe drinking, so please exercise caution!)
Prep these beforehand:
- We love these cheeky but helpful reminders for guests to pace themselves.
- Always have a back-up, whether that’s a keg or two or a few bottles, hidden.
- Mix things up with a wider variety of mixers and soft drinks to make your alcohol go further.
How to fix the situation:
- If all else fails, encourage your guests to mingle, dance and enjoy the company! It’s not just alcohol that makes a successful party.
If someone burns themselves
We’re no strangers to a little burn while getting too engrossed with the pit. And when left untreated immediately, that small burn can turn into a stingy, weeks-long injury. This is how you can treat that burn.
Prep these beforehand:
- First aid kit, as always
- Aloe vera gel
How to fix the situation:
- Run the wound under a tap of cool water for 15 to 20 minutes to reduce inflammation.
- Rinse the wound with disinfectant or soap.
- Dry the wound before applying aloe vera to the wound.
- Keep it covered with a Band-Aid or gauze to prevent bacteria from entering the wound.
If the wound is severe or covers a large area of the body, please seek professional medical attention immediately!
If a sparkler goes rogue
We love sparklers, but they can be a bit unpredictable sometimes. Remember to point them away from your face and others to avoid any closeup face injury. If you find yourself experiencing sparkler burns, you could do these two quick solutions:
Prep this beforehand:
- You guessed it, first aid kit
How to fix the situation:
- Quickly extinguish the sparkler and clean the affected area with cool water for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Make sure to use sterile, non-stick dressing for the wound.
If the sparkler has gotten stuck in your clothing or accessories, carefully remove it to prevent further damage or injury.
If someone gets heartburn
With all the good food, drinks and company, some of your guests are bound to over indulge a little. Opt to prepare lighter foods such as watermelon salad with feta and cucumber pickles or have Antacid available when they need it. Warm water or herbal teas help too.
Naturally if these situations escalate to a bigger scale, it’s always good to seek professional or medical help. Just remember to enjoy yourself and have a happy 4th of July!