If you are planning one or more outdoor winter events over the next few months, there are several things that you will need to think about to ensure everything goes smoothly. There are lots of outdoor activities that we can do in winter. Whether it is a fireworks display, Christmas al fresco concert, outside wedding reception or family get-together, planning and preparation are key. Braving the cold weather and heading outdoors for your seasonal shindig can reap many rewards. So, to help with the planning, here are some seasonal safety thoughts, ice melting tips and more.
The very first thing to think about when planning outdoor winter events is the safety of your guests. Temperatures tend to plummet and rain and snow arrive in abundance as we head into December and January. This can result in frozen surfaces, snowy pathways and ice patches underfoot.
Stock up well in advance on a good granular deicer for the outer surfaces. This will enable you to treat surfaces the day before and to reapply as required to melt ice and make your outdoor venue safer for everyone.
Choose an ice melt that won’t harm wildlife, pets, people’s shoes or vehicles. In other words, one that doesn’t contain rock salt or urea. This means that any melted water can run off safely into the ground and away from paths and walkways. Thus, removing dangerously slippery ice safely and sustainably.
Winter days start to get dark from around 4 pm, so if your outdoor winter events start or continue later than that, think about how you are going to light it. Decent lighting not only allows guests to see each other and follow what’s happening, but it also keeps people safe arriving and leaving the premises. Have lighting guiding people in form car parking areas or surrounding roads. Add lights to tables and hang them above the main event area. Lights can add enormous amounts of atmosphere and ambience to outdoor winter events.
Lay on adequate seating for people to rest and relax when they are not walking, dancing or mingling. If you are planning entertainment, make sure your seats are positioned so that people can watch it without having to move around too much. Place seats under cover in case it rains if possible and have waterproof cushions or covers in case of rain. Have an indoor space with seating too, so that people can move and get warm if they find the outdoor temperatures too cold.
This point will depend entirely on where your outdoor winter events are taking place. When you invite people, include details of how to get to and from the venue. So, this could be driving directions, taxi company details or details of public transport so that the winter road trip becomes easier. If you know that the ground is going to be icy, sprinkle some plant-friendly deicer in advance to help melt the ice and make the ground safer to walk, drive or ride on. Know where people can park their cars safely and avoid causing disturbance to any neighbours with messy or inconvenient parking. You can also spray eco-friendly deicer on the car park.
Outdoor winter events usually call for warming, comforting food and drink. So, switch out the salads and fruity cocktails for warm soups, hot chocolate and spicy punch or mulled wine. Give people somewhere to put used plates and cups and keep the food and drink coming to ensure a jovial, satisfied group of guests. If you are holding a Christmas event, theme the food accordingly with turkey rolls and hot mince pies. Or serve jacket potatoes, hot dogs and toffee apples to accompany bonfire night fireworks.
Outdoor winter events can be more prone to being cancelled, postponed or changed. Sometimes, the weather is too bad to continue with the event as planned. Think about how you could move things indoors. Make sure you can house all your guests indoors if things do take a turn for the worse outside and have back-up entertainment and seating on hand. Or you could try and ‘tough it out’ outdoors by having plenty of waterproof coverings, hats, scarves and spare coats standing by. Try to be as flexible as possible and always have a Plan B.
EcoGrit
20 Harbour View
Truro
Cornwall
TR1 1XJ
EcoGrit provides a fantastic ice melt that is environment-friendly and pet-friendly
With the return of winter and the inevitable widespread use of rock salt gritting, the RSPCA is warning to check pets’ paws and fur if
EcoGrit is an environmentally conscious company that would like to serve the people by offering them education, insight, “peace of mind” and the chance to make a positive difference on a monumental scale at a time when winter weather patterns are becoming more unpredictable.
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EcoGrit provides a fantastic ice melt that is environment-friendly and pet-friendly
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