Whether you’re staying at home or going out to a party with friends the following are a few safety tips to ensure a safe celebration.

If you plan on drinking, leave your car keys with a designated driver. Or, you can keep extra money on you with the phone number of a taxi cab company. The host of a party should be aware that a 12-ounce bottle of beer, a five-ounce glass of wine, a 12-ounce wine cooler and an ounce and a half of liquor each contain the same amount of alcohol. Carbonated mixers cause the alcohol to be absorbed more quickly in a person’s system. Sweet mixers mask the taste of the alcohol and may cause people to drink more and the alcoholic effect will sneak up on them. Have foods available to snack on while consuming alcoholic beverages. Have non-alcoholic beverages available also.

Try to travel in groups when attending a party in a larger city. This will ensure that you’re never by yourself.

Do not fire a rifle or handgun into the air to celebrate the New Year. Whatever goes up must come down. This can cause serious injury or death to someone when the bullet falls back to earth. From 1985-1992 in Los Angeles 118 people were struck by falling bullets, and 38 died as a result of their injuries.

If you plan on burning candles in your home, be sure to extinguish them before you leave to go somewhere or turn in for the night.

Remember, a safe ending to 2009 is the best way to start 2010.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Jeff Schindler

Gustine Chief of Police