9 safety tips for you and your family as you ring in the new year

ORLANDO, Fla. — New Year’s Eve can be a special occasion to celebrate with loved ones, but it is also essential to stay safe.

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Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis remind residents to be cautious, especially with fireworks.

Read: Celebrate the new year with Crayola Experience Orlando

We have gathered the following nine safety tips from Patronis and the American Safety Council:

  1. Protect children from fireworks or sparklers. Glow sticks are a good alternative.
  2. Throw away the duds because relighting them can cause an explosion.
  3. Keep in mind neighbors who may suffer from PTSD and pets who are scared of loud noises (keep pets comfortable)
  4. Have a fire extinguisher on hand.
  5. Park in a populated and well-lit area and lock your doors.
  6. Obey traffic laws and if you are a pedestrian, walk on marked sidewalks.
  7. Party hosts should also offer non-alcoholic beverages and keep a close eye on drinks.
  8. Plan to have a designated driver and utilize public transportation or ride options.
  9. Stay away from unapproved sparklers. Click here for a list of approved sparklers.

Read: What does ‘Auld Lang Syne’ mean, and why do we sing about it on New Year’s Eve?

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