Crime doesn't take a holiday during New Year’s, so be smart, be safe and start the year off right. Marcia Peot, a police officer and chief safety officer at StreetSafe, offers the following safety reminders to keep your New Year's Eve:
· Don't let your guard down. Holidays, including New Year's Eve, are not an excuse to throw caution to the wind.
· Don't leave your drink unattended and don’t become intoxicated.
· Stay in groups or use the buddy system. Remember, you are more likely to become a target if you are alone. Select a place to meet should you get separated, and check that your buddy got home safely at the end of the night.
· Have a plan for how you will get home once the confetti has fallen. Don't find yourself stranded.
· Don't use the festive atmosphere as an excuse to do something foolish, out of character or unsafe.
· Be careful what you post online when you’re out and about. Don't advertise that you are not at home.
· The beaten path is the better path. Familiarize yourself with the area and avoid shortcuts before heading out.
Now let's all raise our glasses to a safe and healthy 2012.
About the Author
Laura Walter
Laura Walter was formerly senior editor of EHS Today. She is a subject matter expert in EHS compliance and government issues and has covered a variety of topics relating to occupational safety and health. Her writing has earned awards from the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE), the Trade Association Business Publications International (TABPI) and APEX Awards for Publication Excellence. Her debut novel, Body of Stars (Dutton) was published in 2021.