New Year’s Eve Safety Tips for a Happy 2012

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New Year’s Eve is fast approaching and it’s meant to be a night of fun as we celebrate the beginning of another year. Unfortunately, many accidents and fatalities occur because partygoers don’t have the heightened sense of awareness that’s needed on this worldwide holiday.

Whether you’re going to a big party in the city or staying in with friends and family, following these New Year’s Eve safety tips will ensure that everyone gets to and from their celebrations safely so they can enjoy all that 2012 has to offer!

New Year’s Eve Safety Tips: Going Out

• Bring only what you need in your handbag or wallet, such as your driver’s license, money and one credit card.  Don’t take your department store credit cards, gift cards or any other valuables that you might normally carry with you.

• While it’s fun to share where you are on social media sites, beware of doing so, as you are publicly alerting others that you are not at home.

• If you plan on drinking, don’t drive! Protect yourself and others by having a designated driver.

• Auto accidents due to alcohol consumption are highest between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m., so avoid being on the road at those times.

• Use public transportation or take a cab both to and from the celebration so you can avoid leaving your car in a strange place overnight.

• If you are driving, make sure to park in a well-lit area that’s populated.

• Check that your windows are rolled up, doors are locked and valuables are out of sight.

• Be on guard and aware of your surroundings.

• If you’re attending a large party where there are crowds, travel with a group or in pairs.

• Make sure everyone has a “buddy” who can confirm they got home safely at the end of the night.

• If you become separated from your group, check with the bar/party staff so they can contact a taxi company for you.

• Do not leave drinks unattended. Finish it before you hit the restroom or dance floor.

• Don’t forget to eat, and drink water or non-alcoholic beverages in between alcoholic ones.

• It’s not just people behind the wheel you have to pay attention to when you go home. Watch out for intoxicated walkers who pay no attention to lights or crosswalks.

• If you are doing the walking, do not go alone as you may be setting yourself up for an attacker to target you.  Pay attention to where you are going and look for bumps, holes and curbs to avoid injury.

• Call the police if you see anything illegal or suspicious taking place.

New Year’s Eve Safety Tips: Staying In

• If the party is at your house, be sure all smoke alarms are working and have fresh batteries.

• Have phone numbers handy for a cab company, emergency contacts and poison control if something unexpected occurs.

• Have guests turn their keys in to you upon arrival and put them in a secure place. That way you can ensure that everyone has a safe ride home.

• Have two colors of cups: one for adult beverages and one for non-alcoholic ones.  This is one more way to keep alcohol out of the hands of children or guests who may be allergic to alcohol.

• If cups are unattended for a while, dump them, especially if there are kids or pets around that might be curious to consume them.

• If you serve a minor in your home, even in the presence of their parents, you could be in major trouble with the law.

• Be alert and aware. Noisemakers, champagne corks and more can be dangerous for children and pets, especially if they shoot across the room or break into pieces.

• Shooting fireworks? Do so in an open area where homes and power lines are out of the way. Keep children and pets away from where you are igniting them and never re-light a firework that did not go off the first time.

• Make sure you have food and snacks available so your guests aren’t drinking on an empty stomach.

• Have a variety of non-alcoholic beverages and plenty of water for your guests.

• Stop serving alcohol at a determined time and stick to it.

• If you’re burning candles, remember to extinguish them before the end of the party.

• Be prepared to let your guests stay the night as an alternative to them driving home after drinking.

Remember, partying on New Year’s Eve is about celebrating the rollercoaster of another year and the hopefulness of a new one.  By having a good sense of awareness and taking these New Year’s Eve safety tips to heart, we can make sure that everyone’s friends and family have a happy and healthy year ahead!

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