BRENHAM P.D. ISSUES SAFETY TIPS FOR NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATIONS

  

New Year’s Eve is a time of celebration and the Brenham Police Department wants to wish everyone a happy and safe evening. While planning the night’s events, please keep the following safety tips in mind:

New Year’s Eve Safety Tips: Going Out

• If you plan on drinking, don’t drive! Protect yourself and others by having a designated driver.
• Bring only what you need in your handbag or wallet, such as your driver’s license, money and one credit card. Don’t take your department store credit cards, gift cards or any other valuables that you might normally carry with you.
• While it’s fun to share where you are on social media sites, beware of doing so, as you are publicly alerting others that you are not at home.
• Auto accidents due to alcohol consumption are highest between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m., so avoid being on the road at those times.
• Use public transportation or take a cab both to and from the celebration so you can avoid leaving your car in a strange place overnight.
• If you are driving, make sure to park in a well-lit area that’s populated.
• Check that your windows are rolled up, doors are locked and valuables are out of sight.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• If you’re attending a large party where there are crowds, travel with a group or in pairs.
• Make sure everyone has a “buddy” who can confirm they got home safely at the end of the night.
• If you become separated from your group, check with the bar/party staff so they can contact a taxi company for you.
• Do not leave drinks unattended. Finish it before you hit the restroom or dance floor.
• Don’t forget to eat, and drink water or non-alcoholic beverages in between alcoholic ones.
• It’s not just people behind the wheel you have to pay attention to when you go home. Watch out for intoxicated walkers who pay no attention to lights or crosswalks.
• If you are doing the walking, do not go alone as you may be setting yourself up for an attacker to target you. Pay attention to where you are going and look for bumps, holes and curbs to avoid injury.

New Year’s Eve Safety Tips: Staying In

• If the party is at your house, be sure all smoke alarms are working and have fresh batteries.
• Have phone numbers handy for a cab company, emergency contacts and poison control if something unexpected occurs.
• Have guests turn their keys in to you upon arrival and put them in a secure place. That way you can ensure that everyone has a safe ride home.
• Have two colors of cups: one for adult beverages and one for non-alcoholic ones. This is one more way to keep alcohol out of the hands of children or guests who may be allergic to alcohol.
• If cups are unattended for a while, dump them, especially if there are kids or pets around that might be curious to consume them.
• If you serve a minor in your home, even in the presence of their parents, you could be in major trouble with the law.
• Be alert and aware. Noisemakers, champagne corks and more can be dangerous for children and pets, especially if they shoot across the room or break into pieces.
• Remember fireworks are illegal inside the city limits.
• Make sure you have food and snacks available so your guests aren’t drinking on an empty stomach.
• Have a variety of non-alcoholic beverages and plenty of water for your guests.
• Stop serving alcohol at a determined time and stick to it.
• If you’re burning candles, remember to extinguish them before the end of the party.
• Be prepared to let your guests stay the night as an alternative to them driving home after drinking.

(Story courtesy: Angela Hahn, Brenham Police Department)