6 Safety Tips for New Year's Eve

With New Year’s Eve 2009 approaching, there are certain dangers that party goers and tourists alike should be aware of. While New Year’s Eve is one of the most anticipated days of the year, it can also be one of the most dangerous when it comes to safety issues. Know the proper safety precautions to take to insure that you and those you are with are complete safe.

Drinking: While this goes under the “common sense” rule, it still must be said, DON’T SIT YOUR DRINK DOWN ANYWHERE! A lot of times people are to trusting within their surrounding and tend to put their drink down where anyone can get to it, keep your drink with you. Even if you have to go to the bathroom, either take it with your or give it to a close friend of yours. Whatever you do, don’t leave your drink at a table and then come back to it. While New Year’s Eve is super fun it’s also super dangerous when it comes to someone putting “add-on’s” in your drink while it’s unattended. When poppin’ bottles, aim the cork away from people. This may sound funny, however; it’s a serious issue, it’s all fun and games until someone loses an eye!

Driving: Whatever you do this New Year’s Eve, DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE! Even if you’ve had only a couple of drinks, have a designated driver to drive you around. You many think that you’re not that “buzzed up”, however you’re wrong! The law enforcement will strictly be enforcing this law to the fullest this New Year’s. To avoid problems with accidents and the law, have someone “sober” drive for you. This doesn’t count if your designated driver had drinks along with you; make sure your driver is alcohol free for the night.

Public Events: Being that it’s New Year’s Eve I’m sure you’re going to want to attend all of the parties and New Year’s festivities. When attending these events, beware of your surroundings at all times! This is extremely important since you may be drinking around tons of people you don’t know in a place you’ve probably never been. Never go to these types of places by yourself. This doesn’t just go for women it also goes for men! When at public events make sure you have a communication device such as cell phone or laptop just in case anything negative occurs. Be prepared!

No Fireworks: This will be enforced to the fullest by law enforcement when it comes to New Year’s Eve festivities. No longer are police standing for amateur fireworks, if you’re going to engage in fireworks, leave it up to the professionals. While there are many firework stands that sell fireworks, most of the time they’re still ILLEGAL! If police catch you with fireworks this New Year’s Eve, it may be more than just a fine; it may possibly lead to jail time!

Friends: If you plan on going anywhere for the New Year’s Eve holiday, take friends with you! When going to any type of party or function, don’t go alone! This is really important when it comes to females going out, always stay in groups!

Boat Safety: If you have plans to go on a cruise or boat ride this New Year’s Eve, take the proper steps to ensure your and others safety. This means checking ahead of time that the boat is supplied with life vest, radio and anything else you need in case you get stranded or the boat has problems.