New Years Eve Safety Tips

I hope everyone had a safe and happy Christmas! Now it's time to discuss New Year's Eve and all the smart things we can do to ensure its a safe and wonderful evening full of great memories.

I would like you to think about the following topics while making your plans. They are in random order, with each one as important as the next and I hope you find more than a few of them helpful.

  1. let your teenager know YOU will pick them up no matter what they have done or promised, and tell them how proud you are of them for not getting into the wrong car, or trying to drive home

  2. if you attend a large community party, stay with your child at all times, bathroom, food area, drink station, do not assume they are safe because you see a few security guards

  3. if you are attending a party, interview a Babysitter, do it early so your not making a desperation hire, check references, and use ALL the Street Smart Kidz Free hand-outs to make it easier for all involved, like our free phone list, babysitter tips, parent questions etc...

  4. LEAVE A NUMBER WHERE YOU CAN BE REACHED, and a SECOND EMERGENCY NUMBER of a trusted relative or friend, in case they can't reach you

  5. when you go out, have a DESIGNATED DRIVER, schedule a taxi or travel in style by getting a limo and splitting the cost with two or three other couples

  6. try to avoid leaving one of your teenagers in charge, instead check to see if the Grandparents or an Aunt/Uncle are available

  7. before you leave, make sure your tree has water in it to prevent fire

  8. change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every New Years Day and every Canada Day

  9. if your Teenagers/Adults are attending Bar or House parties, make sure they know about HGB and other knockout drugs, and to never leave a drink unattended. NEVER! if they forget, buy a new drink

  10. if your having a party, designate someone the "bartender", who will ensure glasses are being picked up, and can alert you if someone needs to "take a break", or wants to drive home, a great rule is "I can't serve you until I have your keys"

  11. make sure your pets are safe by putting them in a secured room

  12. if your going to a party or having one with fireworks, please read our fireworks section in our Tips Archive, just to be safe and keep others safe

  13. ROADSIDE CHECK STOPS have not been created to inconvenience you, they are there to protect you, your friends and family, so SLOW down, be polite and thank the Cop after you have been checked and sent on your way

  14. in case you didn't know, passing out or crashing on a friends couch for a few hours will not sober you up, CHECK STOPS run until 1pm Jan.1st, and you could still be pulled over and charged, TAKE A CAB!

Street Smart Kidz wishes all of you a Great New Years Eve, and a Wonderful and Safe 2010.

Steven