New Year’s Safety

Worried about how you can stay safe and still have fun this New Year’s Eve? Check out our 4 New Year’s Safety Tips to find out!

Christmas may be over, but the holiday party season isn’t. As the new year approaches, there are plenty of ways to celebrate. You can watch the ball drop with your family, host a gathering with friends or even count down until midnight at a public party.

But whether you’re ringing in the new year at home or spending a night out on the town, safety should always be a top priority. Here are a few tips to help you party responsibly, no matter where you celebrate.

Safety at Home

On New Year’s Eve, you don’t have to leave your house to have a great time. If you are hosting a party, you are responsible for your guests’ safety, both during and after the party.

Plan activities ahead of time to keep the night active. Serve plenty of food, keep your guest list tight and shelve the fireworks. Starting off the new year with a “bang” is tempting, but fireworks can lead to house fires and injuries – and they never mix well with alcohol.

Keep Your Fireworks Hazard-Free

If you’re going to be breaking out the firecrackers in honor of the new year, it is especially important to keep safety at the top of your list. Know the laws. State and local laws may place restrictions on when you can use fireworks.

Fireworks can spell trouble for furry friends. If your pet gets spooked at the sound of fireworks, make sure they’re contained in a safe, secure area where they can’t try to run away. This also ensures they won’t break or cause damage to valuables in your home or to themselves.

Lastly, follow safety protocols. Keep a fire extinguisher handy to prevent a mishap from spiraling out of control.

Avoiding Dangers Downtown

Planning on hitting the town this New Year’s Eve? Be prepared. Designate a driver. Celebrate with friends. Eat before you leave. Charge your phone. And don’t leave your car overnight.

Remember. There’s safety in numbers. If you’re partying with friends, have a conversation about looking out for each other before the night begins. Having a charged phone can also help with making sure friends and family are staying safe. Getting stuck with a dead battery will make it difficult to reconnect with friends or hail a ride home.

If you’re not driving home, it’s probably wise to leave your car in the driveway – and don’t forget to lock the doors. Unfortunately, criminals don’t take a holiday. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, New Year’s Day is the top holiday for car thefts!

Don’t Drink and Drive

On average, drinking accidents rise during the holidays, so it’s crucial to have a safe ride on a night when so many people are out and about. If you’re planning to celebrate with alcohol, decide how you’ll be getting home before your first drink. Know your options in advance and decide whether you’ll take public transportation, use a ridesharing service or carpool with your friends.

If you’re the host, encourage your guests to choose a designated driver before they arrive. Whether a friend is driving, or they choose to use Uber or Lyft, advanced planning will ensure no one decides to get behind the wheel.

Have Fun!

No matter how you celebrate, New Year’s celebrations can still be fun and safe. Don’t let New Year’s Eve end with a trip to the emergency room!