New Year's Safety Tips

Please consider these New Years' Safety tips when going out this New Years' Eve. These are courtesy of John Longoria, Program Manager of our Family Resource Center, which provides services to families and children who have been identified as at risk by various collaborative state agencies.

New Years’ Eve is a huge night for everyone—crowds will be swarming toward all the metropolitan hubs around the world. People feed off each others' excitement, and sometimes things can get out of hand if safety precautions are not taken. Everyone wants to have an unforgettable night (in a good way!). By simply using some common sense, we can keep it that way. Ring in the New Year safely!

· Designate a Driver: If you are going to be driving New Years’ Eve, don't drink and drive. If you have a friend who prefers not to drink, make sure they take the wheel. You might even be on the water this New Years Eve. The person in charge of navigating the boat needs to be cautious - this still applies to them! It is important to be safe on the water as well, so drink sensibly.

· Don't forget about your pets! They are just as much a part of the family as everyone else. If you are using fireworks, anything with loud noises, or fire, be sure that pets are kept at a distance as well as children. None of these are a good mix. There may be some children and/or pets that are extremely frightened by fireworks. If so, make sure they have a “safe-place” to go. Candles are also a potential hazard.

· Be Alert: Be aware of your surroundings and how others are acting. Stay away from those who are out of control and might cause harm. Taking preventive measures is key. If someone is really intoxicated, prevent them from trying to drive or leaving with someone they do not know. It's important to keep an eye out for each other.

· Don't Drive: If you don't have to go behind the wheel, avoid it. More people will be driving under the influence on this particular night, so avoid a potentially dangerous accident by staying off the road. Otherwise, be alert and drive defensively. Most importantly, wear your seatbelt! Also, using public transportation is a wise option. If taking a cab is too expensive, crashing at a friend's place nearby is a convenient solution.

· Stick Together: This way we can look out for our friends and family. Going out to parties and nightclubs means a fast-paced, crazy night; so be sure to travel in groups. Having a safety net around you in this environment, especially for women, is imperative.

· Monitor your Alcohol Intake: A majority of people will be drinking on New Years Eve, and there is nothing wrong with that. Just be sure to pay attention to how much you and others are consuming. Drinking too much alcohol can have lethal affects. Be responsible. Also, drinking on an empty stomach significantly increases the effects of alcohol.

· Fireworks – If fireworks are legal in your community and you decide to partake, make sure that directions for use are followed directly. Do not use fireworks in any manner that may pose a threat to others or to others’ property. Children should not be using fireworks, but if they are, this should be done ONLY under the supervision of a responsible adult.

· Gunfire – UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES, regardless whether you are in an urban or rural setting, is it appropriate to shoot any kind of weapon in the air or at any other target – especially since it is likely that alcohol or other mood inhibiting substances are being used.