Celebrating New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve is a great chance to celebrate the year gone by and the coming of a new one. However, these celebrations also come with great dangers and responsibilities. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you make your New Year’s Eve plans!

Fireworks

All fireworks, including sparklers and bottle rockets, are illegal in the Municipality of Anchorage and the use of fireworks is punishable with a fine of up to $300.00. 

If you live outside Anchorage and decide to use legal fireworks for your New Year’s Eve celebration, keep children and pets away from the area. Even sparklers, which are often used by kids, burn at temperatures of about 2000 degrees and can be incredibly dangerous. Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose at the ready.

Light fireworks one at a time, then move away from them. Never attempt to re-light a firework that did not go off the first time; douse spent fireworks with plenty of water before discarding them. And of course, never point or throw fireworks at another person.

If You Are Hosting A New Year’s Eve Party

• Offer non-alcoholic drink options and have plenty of water available.
• Use differently colored cups for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Dump unattended cups so kids and pets do not consume them.
• Provide food and snacks so guests aren’t drinking on an empty stomach.
• Provide snacks throughout the evening.
• Set up tables or eating areas that encourage guests to eat comfortably and reduce over-consuming alcohol.
• Avoid salty snacks, which can actually encourage people to drink more.
• Practice food safety by keeping cold food cold and hot foods hot.
• Do not provide alcohol to minors. Keep an eye on all drinks and supplies.
• Stock all bathrooms with hand soap and disposable towels.
• Wipe down bathroom surfaces throughout the evening to minimize the risk of spreading colds and flu.

As The Party Winds Down

• Have the numbers for reliable transportation services including local taxis, Lyft and Uber.
• Identify a trusted designated driver ready to take guests home if necessary.
• Research numbers for local hospitals and authorities and have them ready in the case of an accident.
• Provide guests a place to stay overnight if needed. Even if accommodations are less than ideal (like a blanket on the floor), they will be safe!

When Attending A Party

• Monitor your health. Do not attend if you have signs of any illness before the party.
• Eat a meal before leaving home in case you aren’t able to eat the food at the party, or if there isn’t any food at the party.
• Again, have the numbers for reliable transportation services including local taxis, Lyft and Uber. Whether for you or other guests, friends don’t let friends drive drunk.

Driving On New Year’s Eve

• Drinking and driving don’t mix. Use a designated driver.
• Leave early, the later it gets in the evening, the higher the chance of a drunk driving related accident.
• If you drive home, let someone know you are heading home, and keep them posted when you arrive home safely.
• Drive extra carefully when heading home and leave extra space between you and other cars just to be safe.
• Never drink and drive.
• If in doubt about your ability to drive, have a sober friend take you home, or take a taxi, Lyft and Uber home.

Walking On New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve is also a dangerous night for pedestrians. Not only are drivers potentially impaired, but those on foot can also ignore traffic lights or crosswalks. If you are walking on New Year’s Eve, stay on pedestrian paths and observe traffic laws. Cross at crosswalks and try to remain in well-lit areas. If you are driving, take extra care to consider those on foot.

Whether you spend New Year’s Eve solo, with a small group, or in a larger gathering, celebrate safely Alaska. Ensure you, your family and your friends fully enjoy the arrival of 2025.

From all of us at Johnson Law, P.C., we wish you a safe New Year’s Eve and a Happy New Year

Johnson Law, P.C. has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Secondary Sources: Municipality of Anchorage; American Safety Council

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