Once life at your Lodge returns to normal, old and new volunteers will likely be looking for ways to give back. To prepare for the volunteers, examine your Lodge’s volunteer training and safety precautions.

1. Update your Lodge’s emergency contacts

If there’s an emergency during an event, your volunteers will need to know how to reach you. On the other hand, a situation may arise where it’s you who needs to get in touch with a volunteer. Make sure everyone has the necessary phone numbers to facilitate important communication.

2. Send communications

Whether you use social media, email or texting for volunteer and guest contact lists, take time to craft a new message and send updates on the state of your Lodge. Share upcoming events they may be able […]

Renting out Lodge facilities and property for a special event is a great way to earn money for the Lodge and help serve the local community, but it is not without risk. Property damage, personal injuries and other claims can arise. Prepare your Lodge for special events with these tips:

Have a Risk Management Plan

Safety is best ensured and problems are best avoided by having a risk management plan before you begin hosting events. You can greatly reduce the risk of a claim by:

• Identifying any potential hazard risks for your event.
• Assessing the severity of the risk and the potential impact.
• Controlling the risk exposure by taking appropriate precautions.

Prepare for Inclement Weather

Weather is always a factor in any event planning. Whether the event must be cancelled or postponed, or […]

Each year there are thousands of injuries involving putting up and taking down holiday decor. You can reduce the risk to your members, guests and volunteers as you put Lodge decor away this season (keep this post in mind as you decorate for other holidays, too) by following these holiday decor safety tips:

Live and Artificial Trees

• Purchase a fresh tree to minimize the fire hazard and maximize long life.
• Cut off the bottom 2 inches of the trunk base for better water absorption.
• Water a live tree daily by filling up the tree stand basin.
• Install all trees at least 3 feet from all heat sources.
• Make sure the tree does not block doors or walkways.
• Ensure artificial trees are labeled as fire resistant.
• Take trees down before they […]
  

The much-loved Lodge kitchen could pose many hidden risks if your Lodge lacks the proper tools. Unsafe kitchens are more likely to result in serious injuries, which can result in costly claims and litigation.

These risks can be greatly reduced by supplying your Lodge’s kitchen with the right equipment, much of which is affordable and readily available.

Here is a list of tools and tips that can help your Lodge establish better kitchen safety:

1. Fire extinguishers

Make sure your Lodge has at least one Class K fire extinguisher to handle cooktop fires. Unlike common ABC Class extinguishers, these can disperse a wet agent that quickly cools hot metal surfaces and turns burning oil and grease into harmless soap in a process called saponification. It’s easy to clean up and doesn’t contaminate other […]

Last year, more than 77 million people across the country volunteered in their community, according to the Corporation for National and Community Service. Some of them may have been the very volunteers assisting your members and guests at your Lodge events.

Lodge volunteers play an important role, and it is the Lodge’s responsibility to ensure their safety, especially when they’re new to volunteering. This not only helps reduce the risk to volunteers and others at your location, it also helps ensure that volunteers get the most out their volunteer experience and keep coming back.

Follow these safety training tips for new volunteers:

Document Your Safety Procedures

The best safety plan is the one that is committed to writing. Documentation ensures that all necessary procedures have been accounted for, and that each volunteer […]

With the holiday season fully upon us, many Lodges are ready to decorate. During this joyous season, it is important to consider holiday decorating safety. Whether your Lodge decorates a small Charlie Brown tree or goes full Chevy Chase, keep your Lodge’s property and members safe with these tips:

Indoor Holiday Decorating Safety Tips

• If your Lodge purchases a live tree, check for freshness as a fresh tree will stay green longer and be less of a fire hazard. Because heated rooms dry live trees, fill the tree stand with water each day.
• If your Lodge has an artificial tree, ensure it has a fire resistant label. If not, consider purchasing one that does.
• Artificial or real, be sure to place your tree at least 3 feet away from all […]