Celebrate a Fun & Safe July 4th in Your Homeowners Association

How will you be celebrating the 4^th of July? If you’re traveling to visit friends and family or taking a vacation, bon voyage! If you’re sticking close to home and celebrating with barbecues, bathing suits, and bright fireworks in your homeowners association, there are some important things to consider. If you’re an HOA board member, remind residents of the following information. 

4th of July Safety Tips

• Re-read your CC&RS and HOA rules to familiarize yourself with what you can and cannot do as a member of the Association.
• If you will be hosting guests, make sure they know and understand the HOA rules too, otherwise you’ll be held liable.
• If you’ll be cooling off in a pool at your homeowners association, follow all water safety rules.
• Closely supervise kids playing in the water, especially younger children who can’t swim well.
• Check your Association’s guidelines on displaying the American flag.
• Be courteous to your neighbors and stay aware of your noise level.
• Make sure your guests know where they can and cannot park.
• If you’ll be grilling, make sure your grill is away from your home and deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
• If you do plan on using legal fireworks or sparklers, check out this infographic first.
• Never disassemble or make your own fireworks.
• Soak used fireworks in water before disposing of them in a garbage can.
• Watch out for your pet’s safety; many dogs get spooked and go missing during the 4^th of July.
• Keep a fire extinguisher or water hose nearby, just in case.
• If there is an emergency, call 911, then alert your HOA manager.

Did you know that 200 people on average go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4^th holiday?

It’s the responsibility of the HOA board to protect, enhance, and maintain the Association. Reminding residents of 4^th of July safety lets them know you care about them and the community you share.

It’s not too late to get patriotic and think about the Board hosting its own July 4^th barbecue, ice cream social, or simply handing out 4^th of July goodies to get to know members and show them they live in a fun and safe homeowners association. If that sounds like too much to do in too little time, simply wish them a Happy 4^th of July!