Under 21 Go to Restaurant

Safety First

Eventective wishes you and your family a happy and healthy New Year.  Start the year off right by celebrating in a safe and responsible manner. 

Designate a Driver

Attendees at New Years Eve and other Holiday parties are very likely to be indulging in some “Holiday Cheer”.  There’s nothing wrong with drinking, as long as it’s done responsibly.  If you are out on the town, take a cab or public transportation to and from your destination.  If you can swing it, splurge and hire a limo or party bus for your group.

If you are hosting a party, ensure that your guests have options available for a safe evening including non-alcoholic drinks, access to a safe ride home, or a place to “sleep-it-off”.  A great idea for a gathering of local friends is to hire a responsible high-school student to act as a runner, giving short rides home to many of the guests as the evening winds down.

Bottom line, if you drink, don’t drive.  But if you do find yourself on the road, stay alert and drive defensively.  Even though you are sober, it doesn’t mean every other driver is.  Definitely wear your safety belt.

Stay Together

Big New Year’s Eve Celebrations are a fantastic way to ring in the New Year.  If you’re going to be in a crowded bar, nightclub or outdoor celebration, bring a friend and stay together.  Parties and nightclubs get crazier on New Year’s Eve and the last thing anyone wants is to get separated in a crowd.  Make a plan in case your cell phone safety net should fail.

When out in public or at an unfamiliar party, keep an eye on your drink.  Leaving your beverage unattended in an public location can have dangerous consequences.  You do not want to fall prey to someone spiking your drink when you are just out to have a good time.  Seems like common sense, just don’t let your guard down.

Fireworks

Fireworks are a big part of New Year’s Eve at most public celebrations and at many private celebrations as well.  In general, it’s best to leave the fireworks to the professionals.  They are properly licensed and they haven’t been drinking either.  Just enjoy the show.

If you do choose to set off your own fireworks, be sure it is legal in your area.  And be safe.  Only light fireworks in an open area away from buildings and people.  Don’t stand over them while you are lighting them, and don’t try to re-light anything that appears to be a dud.  Always have an adult present and keep children and pets at a safe distance.

Speaking of pets, don’t forget about their safety as well.  Loud parties and especially booming fireworks can frighten pets.  Frightened animals can be a danger to themselves or your guests.  Keep your animals in a comfortable, familiar environment and consider playing soothing music to drown out other noises they might find distressing.

Don’t be distressed that we find ourselves at the end of another year, celebrate the year.  New Year’s Eve is a celebration of the good (and the bad) of the year behind us, and of the possibilities for the year ahead.  However you choose to celebrate, be safe and have a great time!