Here are seven must-know tips to ring in 2025 safely

2025 is almost here! Whether you’re attending a party, enjoying fireworks, or just spending a quiet evening at home, taking some precautions can help ensure a safe, healthy, and fun start to the new year.

Here are some essential New Year’s Eve safety tips to keep in mind:

1. Stay Safe on the Roads

New Year’s Eve is notorious for increased traffic, particularly due to people celebrating with alcohol. If you’re heading out to a party or event, make sure you have a plan for getting home safely.

• Designate a driver: If you’re planning on drinking, arrange for a designated driver in advance, or use a ridesharing service like Uber or Lyft.
• Stay off the roads if impaired: Don’t drive if you’ve been drinking or using drugs. Even a small amount of alcohol can impair your reaction time and judgment.
• Public transportation: Consider taking public transportation if available, or check if there are any special New Year’s Eve services that extend into the late night.
• Be cautious of pedestrians: Many people are walking home after midnight, and it’s essential to stay extra vigilant on the roads, especially if you’re behind the wheel.

2. Fireworks Safety

Fireworks are a popular way to ring in the new year, but they also pose a significant safety risk. Whether you’re setting off your own or watching a public display, here are some key fireworks safety tips:

• Don’t set off fireworks indoors or near buildings: Always use fireworks in an open area, away from structures, trees, or any other flammable materials.
• Keep a safe distance: If you’re attending a fireworks display, stay far enough away to avoid injury from flying debris.
• Keep water nearby: Always have a bucket of water or a hose close by when handling fireworks, and use it to extinguish fireworks once they’ve burned out.
• Supervise children: Never let children handle or light fireworks, and keep sparklers, which can burn at extremely high temperatures, away from young kids.

3. Protect Your Pets

As much as we look forward to fireworks and celebrations, pets often find these noises overwhelming and stressful. Here’s how you can keep your furry friends safe:

• Keep pets indoors: Fireworks, loud noises, and unfamiliar sounds can cause anxiety in animals. Keep your pets inside and ensure they’re in a secure environment.
• Create a safe space: Set up a quiet room with their favorite bed, blanket, or toys where they can retreat. Consider playing calming music or white noise to drown out loud sounds.
• Ensure proper identification: If your pet does become frightened and runs off, make sure they have a collar with ID tags or a microchip to help you reunite with them if they get lost.

4. Party Safely

New Year’s Eve parties are a fun way to celebrate, but they also present certain risks, especially if you’re hosting or attending a large gathering.

• Drink responsibly: If you’re drinking, do so in moderation. Keep track of how many drinks you’ve had, and avoid drinking on an empty stomach.
• Keep an eye on your drinks: It’s always important to keep track of your beverage and never leave it unattended to prevent someone from tampering with it.
• Designate a driver: If you’re heading to a party and plan on drinking, designate a driver ahead of time, or arrange for a safe ride home.
• Use safety glasses: If you’re celebrating with Champagne or other drinks that pop, make sure to aim away from people and avoid popping bottles near anyone’s face or eyes.
• Avoid risky behavior: New Year’s Eve is often a time of heightened excitement, but try to avoid risky activities such as excessive drinking, roughhousing, or engaging in reckless stunts. Safety should always come first.
• Know your emergency numbers if something goes wrong:
  • Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office: (985) 876-2500
  • Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office: (985) 532-2808
  • Emergencies: 911

5. Fire Prevention at Home

Many people enjoy cooking, having family over, or decorating their homes for New Year’s Eve. While festive, it’s essential to be mindful of fire safety.

• Keep candles away from flammable materials: Candles add a cozy atmosphere, but they should be placed away from curtains, paper, or anything else that could catch fire. Always extinguish candles when you leave a room.
• Check your smoke detectors: Make sure your smoke alarms are working before the festivities begin. A quick test could save lives in the event of an emergency.
• Be cautious in the kitchen: If you’re cooking for guests, never leave the stove or oven unattended, and keep flammable materials like dish towels away from hot surfaces.
• Fire extinguisher: Ensure you have a working fire extinguisher nearby, especially in areas where food is being prepared.

6. Look After Your Health

While New Year’s Eve is a time to celebrate, it’s also crucial to consider your well-being during the festivities.

• Stay hydrated: Whether you’re drinking alcohol or not, staying hydrated is important. Alcohol can be dehydrating, so balance it with plenty of water throughout the evening.
• Eat well: Don’t skip meals to save room for party food. Eating a healthy meal before you start drinking can help prevent overconsumption of alcohol and help you maintain energy levels.
• Know your limits: It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of the night, but be mindful of your limits, especially when it comes to alcohol. Pace yourself and take breaks if needed.
• Don’t skip your medications: If you take medications, make sure to take them as scheduled, even during celebrations. Carry any necessary medication with you in case of an emergency.

7. Plan for the Unexpected

New Year’s Eve can bring surprises, and not all of them are fun. Prepare for the unexpected with a few simple precautions:

• Make sure your phone is fully charged: You’ll likely want to take pictures or contact friends and family, so ensure your phone has a full charge before heading out.
• Have a plan for emergencies: Know where the nearest hospital or urgent care is located, especially if you’re traveling or hosting a large group.
• Be aware of the weather: Check the weather forecast before heading out. If you’re attending an outdoor event or celebration, make sure you’re dressed appropriately for the conditions.

As you ring in the new year, remember that safety should always be a priority. By following these simple but important tips, you can ensure that your celebrations are not only fun but safe for you, your loved ones, and your pets. Here’s to a happy, healthy, and safe New Year!