New Year’s Eve Safety Checklist
New Year’s Eve is a night of celebration and anticipation of the year ahead. But amidst the fireworks and champagne toasts, it’s easy to overlook potential dangers during the festivities. The holiday is one of the most dangerous nights of the year, which is why the personal injury attorneys at Patterson Legal Group have created this New Year’s Eve safety checklist with a few things to keep in mind as you ring in 2024.
New Year’s Eve Safety Checklist: Before You Go Out
If you’re going out this New Year’s Eve, you’ll need to make a few preparations ahead of time to have both a safe and enjoyable night out by marking these items off your New Year’s Eve safety checklist.
Secure Your Ride in Advance
This is one of the most important New Year’s Eve safety tips, and one that could save your life. New Year’s Eve is notorious for impaired driving accidents, including marijuana and alcohol. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), during the New Year’s Day holiday period in 2021, 40% of car accident fatalities involved an alcohol-impaired driver. Book a designated driver, taxi service, rideshare app, or use public transportation. Consider staying near the festivities to avoid late-night travel.
Go With a Trusted Group
Choose your companions wisely. Go with a trusted group or let someone know your plans and location. You can also share your location with your smartphone. Don’t forget to stay in touch with your group and let them know where you are.
Only Bring the Essentials
Only bring what you’ll need, like your ID, phone with a charger, cash (in case of emergencies), and any necessary medication. Leave any valuables at home.
Pace Yourself and Know Your Limits
Eat before and during the night. Don’t drink on an empty stomach, and alternate alcoholic drinks with water or non-alcoholic beverages. Be mindful of your alcohol consumption. Pace yourself and avoid peer pressure.
Stay Aware
Be aware of your surroundings and belongings. Don’t leave your drinks unattended and avoid isolated areas. One of the most important New Year’s Eve safety tips is to always trust your gut. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, leave.
Watch Your Step
Crowds and slippery surfaces are a recipe for disaster. Be mindful of slippery surfaces, especially if there are any icy walkways, so you don’t suffer from a slip and fall. Avoid heels if you’re planning on dancing the night away.
Check The Weather
Winter weather can be unpredictable, which is why it is important to check the forecast before heading out. Dress appropriately for the weather. If you don’t feel comfortable going out in extreme cold or during a winter storm, it’s best to stay home.
New Year’s Eve Safety Checklist: For Party Hosts
Hosting your own party at home can be just as fun, if not more so, than going out to a local bar or club. Having a party at home comes with a different New Year’s Eve safety checklist.
Plan Your Guest List
This will help you determine how many people you can safely accommodate in your home. Be mindful of your own capacity and don’t overcrowd your space.
Check for Hazards
Your home might be your own safe haven, but it is important to be aware of potential hazards, such as slippery floors, unstable furniture, unsecured stairs, rugs, and carpets. Make any repairs to your home before having guests over. If you still have holiday decorations, ensure they are secured and safe. Keeping your home free of hazards can prevent a party guest from filing a premises liability claim against you.
Make Sure Everyone Has a Safe Ride Home
Arrange for alternative transportation options such as rideshares or taxis to ensure everyone has a safe way home. Find who the designated drivers are and make sure they do not drink. Also, prepare for guests who might spend the night. Do not allow anyone to leave intoxicated and be prepared to cut someone off.
Prevent Fires and Burns
Check your smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Make sure they are in working order and that everyone knows where they are located. To further help prevent fires and burn injuries, do not allow smoking indoors and avoid using real candles during the festivities. If you’re using fireworks, know the local regulations.
Plan Your Food and Drink Menu
Offer a variety of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and have plenty of food available to help guests pace themselves. Be mindful of food allergies and food safety concerns.
Contact Patterson Legal Group
We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable New Year’s Eve, no matter how you choose to celebrate. By following this New Year’s Eve safety checklist, you can celebrate responsibly and still have a good time. No matter what, injuries can happen at any time. If you or a loved one are injured on New Year’s Eve due to the negligence or recklessness of another, we can help.
Patterson Legal Group has more than 75 years of combined experience successfully representing injury victims in Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. We have a track record of winning superior settlements for our clients. Our firm offers free consultations and works on a “no win, no fee” basis, which means that you do not pay a dime unless money has been recovered on your behalf.
To get started on your free consultation, call us 24/7 at (888) 687-2400. You can also fill out this contact form or reach out via LiveChat.
