New Year’s Eve Don’ts and Do’s

Ringing in the new year can be a fun, memorable time celebrated with close family and friends! However, whether you opt to go out or stay in, there are a few precautions to consider to make it a safe holiday.

This is an occasion that calls for starting with the “Don’ts.” It’s no secret that New Year’s Eve is one of the most dangerous holidays as it pertains to drinking and driving, but the fatalities go down when the holiday falls on a weekday versus a weekend. Still, January 1st consistently ranks as the number one deadliest day of the year for passenger vehicles related. The same goes for pedestrians and bicyclists. Luckily, precautions are just as easily said as done, so give yourself no excuses to have a happy start to the new year!

DON’T…

• Drink and drive
• Leave your drinks unattended
• Overindulge in alcoholic beverages
• Travel alone
• Leave candles burning
• Operate fireworks
• Skip dinner

 

Now for the green light and strongly recommended “Do’s.” When going out, do so in packs (never alone) and keep alert to the best of your ability. Keep an eye on your drink at all times (always holding it in your hand is the best bet), as you don’t know who’ll be lurking nearby to slip a foreign substance into it.

When celebrating at home, invite your guests to either stay with you or have designated drivers. Know your champagne bottle safety tips (see below) and be sure water is plentiful. Don’t forget about your pets who may run off in the presence of loud noises! When it’s time for bed, be sure to put out all flames – if you plan on drinking a lot, maybe avoid lighting any candles in the first place in case you forget later. Nobody’s New Year’s resolution involves a house fire, so we’re thinking better safe than sorry on this one!

DO…

• Celebrate safely and moderately – stay alert
• Stick together – bring friends to celebrations
• Designate a driver or download the Uber or Lyft app
• Remember your pets
• Pop all champagne bottles away from people and keep it at 45 degrees for the safest uncorking
• Pace yourself – alternate alcoholic beverages with water
• Blow out your party candles and have working fire extinguishers nearby
• Test your smoke detectors prior to your party for good measure

 

Most of us look forward to a fresh beginning as the new year evokes an “out with the old and in with the new” outlook. Don’t ruin it by making poor choices. Here’s to happy and safe holiday cheer in the new year!