Boston Fire Museum Birthday Party Procedures

The following procedures are to assist you in providing the best experience for the persons who rent the Boston Fire Museum as a venue for a party. This parties are usually to celebrate are child’s party or special occasion. It is expected that you will be ready to meet and assist those persons who have rented the building. You should have clothing on you that identifies you as a member of the Boston Fire Museum or Boston Sparks.

1.     When you arrive make sure there is a parking pass and a spot available in the back for the family. If the party is at 11 expect them at 10 and if the party is at 2 expect them at 1.

 2.     Make sure the upstairs’ is clean and read for the party

a.      Bathroom clean, trash empty, sink clean and enough toilet paper and paper towels

b.     Kitchen is clean, the counters clean and clear, Trash is empty, fridge and freezer clean and available for the party (about 75% empty for the fridge and 50% for the freezer.)

c.      Party room is clean, floors are clean (not muddy, salty or noticeably dirty)a.     

d. There should be appropriate number of tables and chairs for the number of guests ( 1 long table can sit 8, 3 on each side, one on each end, 2 can sit 14 etc.) there should be at least 2 tables in the corner under the window to the kitchen in an L shape in the corner.

e.      Please wipe down tables and chairs with a disinfectant.

f.      Trash cans are empty and have bags in them.

3.     When the family arrives, give them the parking pass and make sure the fire escape door is open and held there with the chain. Confirm host’s party’s name, and number of children and people attending.

a.      Ask if they are getting food delivered and if so what time and from where so you know to look out for a delivery person.

b.     The host family can park in the back and bring things in that way. If you feel comfortable assisting with the carrying in of supplies, it is usually greatly appreciated. Children should not be left alone in the party area and be aware of where the kids are in relation to the front room and stairs and the back door and fire escape.

 

2.     If you feel comfortable offering assistance with the decorations and this assistance is usually greatly appreciated. Any tape put up for the decorations must be removed at the end of the party.

a.       It is a good practice to put the cake on the tables under the kitchen window in the corner to limit the number of kids touching it.

b.     Drinks at one end of the tables is usually the most convenient

c.      If the family needs ice, please retrieve it from the ice maker downstairs.

d.     If more tables or chairs need to set up, you should do that and assist with positioning however the host wants them.

e.      It is usually a good idea to have a present table as well as for the guest and food.

 

3.     Once the guest start arriving, direct them to the party room.

a.      Best practice is to usually stay in the front room, if you can, to maintain a presence and check in with the host every 15-20 minutes.

b.     Party goers should not be spending time in the front room with the expectation of nursing mothers, phone calls, or kids who need a break and they should always be accompanied by be with a parent or guardian.

 

4.     The typical schedule is usually:

a.      Party hosts arrive 10-10:30.

b.     Guests arrive 11-11:30.

c.      Downstairs 11:30-11:45 for tour and exploring.

d.     Pizza or food 11:45-12:15.

e.      Cake 12:15-12:45.

f.       Party wrap up 12:45-1.

g.     Party clean up 1-1:30.

            The second party schedule usually:

h.     Party hosts arrive 1-1:30, care must be taken in coordinating the exit of the first party and the set up of the second party.

i.       Guests arrive 2:00-2:30.

j.       Downstairs 2:30-2:45 for tour and exploring.

k.     Piazza, food or cake 2:45-3:30.

l.       Party wrap up 3:30-4:00.

m.   Party clean up 4:00-4:300.                

Party activities downstairs:

 When the party is downstairs, they are permitted to sit in and have photos taken in the front seat of the 1926 American LaFrance. Children and guests are not permitted to climb on any other part of the truck or any other exhibit pieces.

 Many times, the younger party guests enjoy using the 1.5” hose off of the hose reel to “extinguish” the electric stove fire inside the window of the green model house. Please be sure to check the operation of the stove and remote control before the parties.

 It is a good practice to familiarize yourselves with the museum as many times the adults in the party have questions.

 

5.     If it is a 2 party day, as soon as the first party guests have left you should be cleaning up the room while the first party is getting packed up. If you feel comfortable you can assist with the packing up and bring out to the car.

 6.     Make sure that the upstairs is clean and read for the next party

a.      Bathroom clean, trash empty, sink clean and enough toilet paper and paper towels

b.     Kitchen is clean, the counters clean and clear, Trash is empty, fridge and freezer clean and available for the party (about 75% empty for the fridge and 50% for the freezer.)

c.      Party room is clean, floors are clean (not muddy, salty or noticeably dirty).

d.     Appropriate number of tables and chairs for the number of guests ( 1 long table can sit 8, 3 on each side, one on each end, 2 can sit 14 etc.) there should be at least 2 tables in the corner under the window to the kitchen in an L shape in the corner.

e.      Trash is empty.

f.       Please wipe down tables and chairs with a disinfectant.

g.     Floor should be swept between parties and trash taken out.

Note: It is a good practice to have matches for birthday cake candles available as well as spatulas for serving the cake as well.

 7.     Don’t forget to get the parking pass from the first party prior to them leaving to give to the second.

 8.     When the second party is finished, clean the room as before the parties.

a.      don't forget about the bathroom trash.

b.     Pizza boxes need to go in the dumpster

c.      if needed, sweep the kitchen and make sure the kitchen sink is clear as well.

d.     Leave 2 tables with the corresponding chairs set up and the food tables in the corner.

e.      Please wipe down tables and chairs with a disinfectant.

f.       Make sure back door is closed and locked and shut off all lights when leaving.

g.     Set the alarm if you are the last one out of the building.