As the seasons change, so should our focus on what we need to do to keep ourselves and our families safe. This December, the Naperville Police Department’s Safer Naper campaign will help you do just that by refocusing your safety habits to address alcohol and holiday parties this busy holiday season.
Whether you are hosting or attending a holiday party, please keep safety in mind when you are making your plans. If you choose to serve alcohol at your holiday party, here are some tips for keeping your guests safe.
Serve food early and often: Start serving food at the start of the event so attendees are not drinking alcohol on an empty stomach and make sure there is food available near the end of the gathering, as well. Also, consider including a meal that requires sitting down and eating. This allows a natural break (or slowing down) of the drinking and prevents attendees from filling up on drinks out of hunger.
Provide non-alcoholic drinks: There should also be plenty of non-alcoholic drink options. For a variety of reasons, not all your guests may drink; think about minors in attendance and designated drivers to name a few. From fizzy sodas to mocktails, create some variety for your non-alcoholic menu. Offering non-alcoholic drink options beyond water helps all guests feel included and can prevent overconsumption.
Don’t make alcohol the focus: Keep why you’re getting together at the forefront of the event. The purpose is not to get intoxicated, it’s to enjoy each other’s company and celebrate the holiday season with family and friends. This means your event should have more to it than just drinks and food. Plan for entertainment, games, music, dancing and/or activities for attendees to participate in.
Getting home safely: Encourage attendees to have a designated driver, but also have a backup plan just in case. It’s likely a friend or neighbor will have room in the car for one more passenger. Rideshare companies are also viable options.
For more information on seasonal safety visit www.naperville.il.us/ASaferNaper.
Until next month… Stay Aware & Stay Safe.
