Out with the old, and in with the new; it’s that time of year when we focus our thoughts on saying goodbye to yesterday and hello to a brighter tomorrow. While most New Year’s Eve toasts offer best wishes for prosperity, happiness, and health, we here at Wolfgram Insurance are raising a glass to something we wish for the entire Waukesha community – a safe New Year’s Eve. As one of the most dangerous holidays of the year, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day should be approached with caution. Continue reading to learn ways you can stay safe this holiday and ring in 2017 as safely as possible.
Vehicle Safety
Believe it or not, criminals do not take a day off for the New Year. Call it an ambitious start to the year or maybe just thieves preying on the hangovers of millions of Americans, but New Year’s Day is the number one holiday of the year for car theft. Though you may not be able to completely prevent a car theft, you can take steps to combat it. Wherever you park your car on New Year’s Day, make sure you choose a well-lit area and keep the doors locked. You should also avoid keeping valuables in your vehicle, such as a purse or electronics. It may also be a good idea to check with your independent agent about affordable car insurance that includes comprehensive protection against theft and vandalism.
Food Safety
You may want to start off 2017 with a bang, but probably not the kind that has you calling in sick to work the next day. Many people choose to celebrate the New Year by attending parties with friends, and where there are people, there is usually food. If you plan to bring hot or cold foods to a party, be sure to transport them in a container designed to hold temperatures steady until the food is ready to be served. As a rule of thumb, food should be discarded after it has set out at room temperature for more than two hours. If you attend a party and want to enjoy the buffet spread, be sure to do so before it expires. If you find yourself hungry later in the party, try grazing on foods that aren’t temperature sensitive, like chips or cookies.
Alcohol and Driving Safety
It’s no secret that many adults enjoy a few drinks on New Year’s Eve. It’s all in good fun, so long as it is done responsibly. An estimated 1,000 people die in crashes every year between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day as a result of drunk driving. If you decide to drink, do not drive. Instead, designate a sober driver to take you home, or plan to stay the night where you are at. You can also call a taxi to take you home after the confetti is thrown.
From all of us at Wolfgram Insurance, we wish you a safe and happy New Year.
