New Year’s Eve is a time of fun and celebration always calls for awareness of safety. We at Skippack Fire Company believe in having fun as much as possible, while ensuring that safety is your #1 priority. There are a few obvious and not-so-obvious things to be aware of on New Year’s Eve when it comes to the fire and life safety of you and your guests.

FIREWORKS

When it comes to fireworks, we suggest attending your local fireworks show put on by the municipality/city. These shows are put on by trained professionals and are conducted in safe, controlled environment. And there’s probably added entertainment like live music, snacks, and a great gathering of people! If you plan on doing fireworks on your private property, you need to:

Ensure that you obtain a permit from your municipality, and;

Ensure that the fireworks you purchase are legal for street use, purchased from an authorized seller. If you are concerned about your safety due to the misuse of fireworks by someone in your neighborhood, contact your local municipality or law enforcement.

CANDLES

Candles make for great decoration around the home, and also creative a very celebratory environment during this festive season. Candles are a beautiful, but tiny form of fire. Keep candles a safe distance away from any flammable materials and ensure that they are contained in a sturdy jar. Be mindful of loose clothing or long hair when around candles. Only light candles in rooms which are occupied. If you are the last one to leave a room which has a candle in it, blow it out before leaving. Have a household fire extinguisher around in case of an emergency.

PARTIES

If you are planning on hosting a party, or are attending a party, be mindful of occupancy by-laws. Certain areas are authorized by law to hold a limited amount of people. Be sure to know what the evacuation procedures are in case of an emergency, and communicate them to your guests if you are hosting a party.

Attending a party? Park your vehicle in an authorized area, out of the way of any designated fire routes. We advise parking outside if you use an auto-starter to warm up your car. Idling your car for a long period of time in a closed parking garage can create carbon monoxide. Anyone walking through the parking garage can be affected by this silent, scentless and invisible gas.

As always, be safe and responsible. Do not drink and drive, assign a designated driver or plan to spend the night. If you will be spending the night, be sure to adhere to overnight parking laws.

We wish you all Happy Holidays and a very Happy New Year!