New Year's Eve is a night of festivities to celebrate the coming year. Our advice is always to make safety a priority. Whether you're staying in and celebrating with friends and family, or traveling to a party or city bash, following a few tips can keep you safe and sound when the clock strikes midnight, ringing in the new year!
- If you're driving, be aware of your surroundings. New Year's Eve is notorious for drunk driving, and the best way to keep you and your loved ones safe, is to know where you're at and be alert while behind the wheel.
- If you're drinking, don't drive. Have a designated driver or call a taxi. If you're hosting a party, provide a bowl where guests can put their keys before the party begins. This way, you can ensure no one leaves your home intoxicated. Remember: buzzed driving is drunk driving.
- Use caution when burning candles, incense or oil burners. Extinguish them before you turn in or before you leave the room.
- Be sure smoke alarms are working and batteries are fresh. If you are hosting a New Year's party, this is as essential safety measure.
- If you’re attending a party in a larger city, or where there are crowds, travel with a group or in pairs. With the festivities in full force, the last thing you want is to get lost in the midst of thousands of people and have to ring in the New Year by yourself.
- If you are setting off fireworks, be sure to practice proper safety precautions. Let off fireworks in a field or other open area where homes and power lines are out of site. Have a fire extinguisher nearby and never try to re-light a firework that did not go off when first lit. Be sure pets and children are at a safe distance away and always have an adult present.
