The most important thing you can do before you begin your festivities is to have a plan. If you are drinking, know how you are going to get home.
Here are some options for you to consider:
• Assign a designated driver.
• Travel to and from the party via cab.
• Stay at the home of the party host.
• Ask a sober family member to drop off and pick up.
• Travel with a party bus that drives right to the front door.
• Call the 88th Air Base Wing Airmen Against Drunk Driving (937-257-2233/7433). AADD should be your last option, not your first call.
Eat and be merry, not sick
If you are hosting the party, it is always a good idea to provide your guests with food, especially if there will be alcohol served. Here are a few things to keep in mind regarding your food preparation and serving:
• Wash hands before, during and after food prep.
• Don’t handle or pet animals during cooking.
• Cook meats and eggs thoroughly to avoid E-coli and salmonella.
• Thoroughly clean utensils and cutting boards after cutting raw meats before using again.
• Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running tap water before serving.
• Keep hot foods hot [140F or above] and cold foods cold [40F or below].
The tips shared here are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to New Year’s safety. The best piece of advice that anyone can give is to use common sense. Take the time to make sure you assess the situation you’re in.
Be sure that what you’re doing isn’t going to end badly or be something that you will regret the next day. Doing that, along with following the tips here, will ensure that you’re around for many years to come!
For more information regarding New Year’s safety, call the 88 ABW Ground Safety office at 904-3391.
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