Have a Happy (and Safe) New Year!

New Year’s Eve is the largest party on the planet every year. Cities near and far host street parties filled with fireworks, music and lots to drink; it’s easy to get caught up in all the excitement and forget about our surroundings and sometimes our common sense. Unfortunately, New Year’s Eve is also a criminal’s paradise. With large crowds and people intoxicated, it makes it easy for thieves to plunder and cause harm. So, if you are planning to go out this New Year’s Eve, be sure to follow some simple guidelines to ensure you bring in 2012 without incident.

Designate a Driver

If you plan to enjoy some libations this New Year’s Eve, be sure to have a designated driver or call a cab. The majority of public parties have cab companies on-call for the evening. If you are with friends, do not allow them to drive dunk and never get in a vehicle with someone who appears impaired. If you are hosting a party, have a list of local cab companies available for your guests. Also, be sure that you limit those who appear impaired and never let someone drive while intoxicated. You should always have non-alcoholic drinks available for your guests, as well.

Safety in Numbers

When venturing out for the evening, remember to stay in groups or at least in pairs. Criminals look for those who appear impaired or who wander off alone. Don’t make yourself a target; stay with a group or travel with a buddy when walking anywhere during the evening. Never leave someone alone that has had too much to drink either. Instead, stay with them to monitor their behavior and take them to the hospital if they appear distressed.

Be Aware

Party goers make easy targets for criminals. Don’t carry large purses or bags with you to parties. Try to keep your personal items to a minimum and place them in a small bag that you can keep with you at all times. Men should be sure to keep wallets in their front pockets, as back pockets are easy to access and pick. When drinking, never leave your drink unattended. If you must excuse yourself, either take the drink with you or leave it with someone you trust. It is very easy for someone to slip something into your drink in just a few seconds, but the consequences could be devastating for you.  Another thing to consider is firework safety.  If you plan to use any at your party, be sure to check local regulations (and for bans) and keep them at a safe distance away from homes and groups of people. Thousands of people are injured each year by fireworks, so read instructions thoroughly and plan ahead.

Be sure to remember these safety tips when making your plans this year to avoid any unnecessary incidents or accidents during your celebrations. It’s much better to wake up with a slight hangover than to find yourself in jail or the hospital. With a little preparation, you’ll not only create some great memories, you’ll also start the year on the right foot. Happy Holidays!