ORLANDO, Fla. — New Year’s Eve can be a special occasion to celebrate with loved ones, but it is also essential to stay safe.
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Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis remind residents to be cautious, especially with fireworks.
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We have gathered the following nine safety tips from Patronis and the American Safety Council:
- Protect children from fireworks or sparklers. Glow sticks are a good alternative.
- Throw away the duds because relighting them can cause an explosion.
- Keep in mind neighbors who may suffer from PTSD and pets who are scared of loud noises (keep pets comfortable)
- Have a fire extinguisher on hand.
- Park in a populated and well-lit area and lock your doors.
- Obey traffic laws and if you are a pedestrian, walk on marked sidewalks.
- Party hosts should also offer non-alcoholic beverages and keep a close eye on drinks.
- Plan to have a designated driver and utilize public transportation or ride options.
- Stay away from unapproved sparklers. Click here for a list of approved sparklers.
Read: What does ‘Auld Lang Syne’ mean, and why do we sing about it on New Year’s Eve?
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