Tips for a Safe Open House

Before an open house begins, do a walk-through to make sure potential hazards are removed. Here are some practical steps to follow to eliminate safety risks:

• Get rid of rugs. Remove all throw rugs, including those with rubber-backing. This eliminates a source of slips, trips, and other unplanned moves.

• Clear the stairs. Make sure that the staircases are cleared of magazines and books (even the artistically-arranged-in-a-basket piles), brooms, shoes, etc.

• Keep shoes on. Think twice about whether visitors should really have to take off their shoes. While most people will comply, you have just put them into slippery socks on unfamiliar surfaces. Likewise with the dust booties that are offered at some open houses. Arrange for a cleaning service to come in following an open house if this is an issue for the home owner.

• Guard danger areas. Position yourself or your assistants at tricky or unusual stairs. Particularly in the places where there are one or two stairs that a prospective buyer might not be aware of or in places where they would be looking at something else while walking.

• No animals allowed. Send all pets away during an open house. At best they are a distraction, and they could cause direct injuries. A relative, neighbor, or a doggy day care might help out for the hours needed.

• Blow out the flames. Eliminate burning candles — it takes just one unnoticed tip to start a major disaster. Leave a few selected lights on to add a feeling of warmth as an alternative to candles.

This list is by no means exhaustive. Your company can develop a checklist of common issues. For the less common issues, the sellers are a vital resource since they know the property's ins and outs.

Make a safety consultation part of your routine for your discussions with sellers prior to an open house. By planning ahead with your company and your client, you can eliminate the foreseeable hazards and create a smooth and successful open house.

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