Safety tips for New Year's Eve party hosts
What you really need to include on your NYE pre-party agenda is a little bit of risk mitigation.
Hosting a party comes with an intuitive set of to-dos – like planning the menu and (begrudgingly) wiping down the baseboards – but what you really need to include on your pre-party agenda is a little bit of risk mitigation to protect both yourself and your loved ones as you ring in 2023.
Impaired driving
The National Safety Council estimates as many as 408 people may die on U.S. roadways during the 2023 New Year’s Day holiday period (from 6 p.m., December 30, 2022 to 11:59 p.m., Monday, January 2, 2023). During this period in 2020, the NSC reports 49% of roadway fatalities involved an alcohol-impaired driver.
If alcohol is being consumed at your New Year’s Eve party, encourage those who will be imbibing to hand over their car keys at the beginning of the night. When the party winds down, make sure each guest has either a designated sober driver, utilizes a ridesharing service or calls a cab.
Fire risk
If fireworks, a bonfire or any other open flame will be part of your New Year’s celebration, be sure to exercise proper caution. You should make yourself aware of your local laws concerning outdoor burning or fireworks, and check for any ongoing burn bans in your area.
Trips and slips
Before guests arrive, do a full walk-through of your home to pinpoint any hazards that may cause guests to fall. This could include wires from electronics, loose tile, holiday light cords or toys left out by your pets or children. Remove any obstacles you find and make any necessary repairs prior to the party.
Promptly clean up spills from food or drink that happen during the party to prevent guests from slipping.
Check your coverage
It’s always a good idea to review your homeowners insurance policy prior to hosting an event at your residence. Your agent will be able to help you assess your coverages and limits so there are no policy surprises if – despite your best planning – there is an accident during your New Year’s Eve celebration.