New Year’s Eve can be an evening to have fun and celebrate the upcoming New Year. However, safety is essential when taking part in the festivities. Whether you are partying with buddies and family, or you are attending a celebration with friends, following these safety tips will make sure that you are safe once the clock strikes midnight.

If you are driving, be familiar with your surroundings. New Year’s Eve is well known for drivers driving under the influence, and the easiest way to keep both you and your family members safe, would be to know where you are and be alert while driving.

If you are drinking, have a designated driver. If you don’t have a designated driver, call a taxi. If you are attending a party at a friend’s home, leave your car keys with the host. If you are the host, leave a bowl at the front door where visitors can leave their keys prior to the start of the party. By doing this, you are able to ensure no one leaves your house while intoxicated.

If you are burning candles, incense or oil lanterns, make sure to extinguish them before you decide to go to bed or before leaving the area they’re burning.

Make sure all smoke sensors work and batteries are recent. If you’re hosting a New Year’s party, this can be a preventative measure that’s important, particularly if you are cooking. Make sure you change the batteries a couple of days before your party so you’re certain all smoke sensors are functional.

If you’re shooting off fireworks in a residential district, make sure to practice proper safety safeguards when using them. Use fireworks inside an area or any other open area where houses and utility lines are far from site. Have a fire extinguisher nearby and do not attempt to re-light any fireworks that didn’t go off when first lit. Also, make sure pets and kids are a secure distance where fireworks are being displayed. Finally, also have a responsible adult present when using any kind of fireworks.

Stay safe and have a Happy New Year.