Enjoy the New Year’s Eve Safely with These Tips

2020 has been quite an eventful year. But like all things, this year is finally coming to an end. With the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us will be celebrating the New Year will be different from in years past. Gathering in large groups is more dangerous this year than ever before. But, whether celebrating New Year’s Eve out or not, we need to remember that many accidents happen that night due to alcohol consumption, fireworks, and other causes. PuroClean encourages you to follow these safety guidelines to stay safe throughout the New Year’s Eve festivities.

• You may be planning to take part in a holiday celebration with people outside your immediate household. Check-in with local public health authorities to find out about gathering size limitations, health restrictions, and event cancellations.
• Follow the advice from your local public health authority. According to officials, the safest way to celebrate or enjoy the holidays is with only members of your immediate household. Your household is anyone who currently lives and shares common spaces in your housing unit. This can include family members as well as roommates or people who are unrelated to you.
• Stay home if you have come into contact with anyone who may have been exposed to COVID-19. This includes people who are still waiting on test results, those who are experiencing symptoms, those who have traveled outside of Canada during the last 14 days, or those who have traveled within Canada but to a location with quarantine requirements.
• Consider the risks before choosing to go out. No matter your level of risk, show kindness and respect to others by following public health measures.
• Those who are celebrating out must make sure to have a safe way to get back home. Assign a designated driver or stay sober. 
• Driving between 8 PM and 2 AM on New Year’s Eve should be avoided, even when rested and sober. These are the most dangerous hours to be on the road on New Year’s Eve. 
• No one should go out alone. It’s important to be aware of the surroundings, have the phone fully charged, and stay in constant contact with friends or family.
• Those going to a gathering should still practice social distancing where possible and always wear a mask when near others. They should also bring only essentials, such as money, credit cards, or a driver’s license. Other valuables should be left at home.
• For those who choose to consume alcohol, it’s good to alternate alcohol with water to stay hydrated and eat high-carbohydrate and high-fat foods to slow the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream. NEVER drive under the influence. 
• Champagne bottles must be opened with caution. The champagne should be chilled to at least 7ºC to make the cork less likely to pop out unexpectedly. The bottle should be aimed at a 45-degree angle and away from people.
• The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend public displays conducted by trained professionals. Fireworks must be used with extreme caution.
• Pets can easily get scared of loud noises such as those at gatherings or fireworks. They should wear IDs or a microchip and be kept inside, in a comfortable room. All fences and gates should be kept secure to prevent pets from running off.