Be Safe When Ringing in the New Year

Has this year been a crazy one?  Did you love it, or is it one you’d like to forget?  Either way, there’s a likelihood that there will be a lot of celebration this year when saying goodbye to 2022 and hello to 2023.

Regardless of whether you plan on going out, or staying in, safety should always be top of mind. Here are a few tips to share about being safe when ringing in the new year:

• Avoid loud music where guests will have to shout.
• Cup markers – If you do have guests, avoid accidental sharing of glasses by making sure everyone’s glass or champagne flute looks different. Use wine glass markers, colored glasses, or look into single serving wines or cans of bubbly.
• Drink responsibly — This can be whether you decide to go out, or even if you choose to stay home. Alcohol and safety don’t always go hand-in-hand. Pace yourself, and if you’re away from home, make sure you have a designated driver. Make sure that if you’re the host, you’re providing food to help make sure guests aren’t drinking on an empty stomach.  Salty snacks will make your guests want to drink more.  If you’re the attendee, make sure you eat something. If you don’t know if there will be food at the party or if you have certain allergies or dietary restrictions, eat ahead of time.
• No guns or fireworks — Getting rid of 2022 may be a good thing, and may warrant a grand gesture, but shooting guns into the air is dangerous because the bullets will land somewhere and they could seriously hurt. Fireworks can be dangerous and may break local laws and noise ordinances. Stick to sparklers and noise makers.
• Stay fire safe – Keep pets and children away from lit candles and fireplaces. Also, keep matches and lighters in a locked cabinet out of reach of children.  Also make sure your smoke alarms are working and have fresh batteries.
• Kitchen attention – Do not leave food unattended in the kitchen when you are cooking, this is especially true when frying and boiling items on the stovetop. Keep children and pets away from cooking surfaces and hot pans and dishes.
• Be mindful of your car. New Year’s Day is a top holiday for car thefts! If you’ll be away, don’t leave your car overnight, leave it at home if you won’t be driving home. Keep it in the driveway, and keep it locked.
• Use main roads – New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are among the most deadly days for pedestrians, so use main roads when walking.
• Mind your kissing – And when it comes time for the New Year’s kiss, stick to kissing someone from your own household. 🙂