Police Share Safety Tips for Ringing in the New Year

From Alameda Police Department

As we wind down 2012 and gear up for 2013, let’s do it safely and responsibly this New Year’s Eve. This is a worldwide holiday and there are party-goers everywhere, attending both private and public events. Here are a few key things to keep in mind as we ring in 2013:

• Social media is great, but you should consider limiting what you post, it just announces to everyone that you are not at home.

• Make sure you communicate to your guests that if they drink they will need to make arrangements for a ride home or you will have to do it for them. Have local taxi cab numbers on hand. Berg Injury Lawyer’s Safe and Sober Program will be offering free cab rides in San Francisco Only.

• Consider collecting car keys when guest arrive to ensure they know it will not be okay to drive home if they have been drinking.

• If space is available in your home, consider making overnight accommodations or ask your guest to bring their sleeping bag.

• If a guest becomes too intoxicated, stop serving them alcohol. You may consider not serving alcohol the last few hours of your party. Have plenty of water on hand.

• If you are a party-goer and plan on driving, make sure you or someone in your group is named the “designated driver”. This should be someone who will not drink, not just the one that is least intoxicated that night.

• A useful website is 511.org it has a schedule and links to almost all public transportation services. www.transit.511.org/schedules/holiday.aspx

• Fireworks are illegal in Alameda.

• Firing weapons into the air is illegal and extremely dangerous. DON’T DO IT! If you hear or see someone shooting a firearm, call 911 immediately.

• Despite the fact that fireworks and firing weapons is illegal, it’s always possible someone will break the law. With that in mind, you should remember your pets. Loud sounds can be very stressful on your pet, consider keeping them inside.

If arrested for a DUI, the average cost in California can range from $8,000-$10,000 for the first offense. Officers throughout the Bay Area will be out in full force, keeping our roadways as safe as possible.

Should you witness erratic or unsafe driving, or if you suspect someone is driving while impaired, please call 911 immediately. Your phone call may just save a life!

APD wishes you a happy and safe New Year!