RCMP ask public to play it safe during the holidays

With Christmas behind us, the festive season is still alive and kicking as New Years celebrations take center stage. Many organize this night well in advance; whether they plan to attend a dance, a house party or just put up their feet at home with family and friends, there are usually some preparations to be made for the big night. But before you let the good times roll, plan ahead to eat, drink and be merry, safely.



West Hants RCMP Community Liaison Officer Cst.George Cameron shares some holiday safety tips:



*Don’t drink and drive

“That’s a given,� Cst.Cameron said there is ‘0’ tolerance for drinking and driving. He says even one drink is still too many. “Everyone reacts to alcohol differently. The only way to be on the safe side is to abstain altogether.� He points out that people need to be careful the morning after as well. “A person can still be impaired, even into the next afternoon.� So, if you spend the night where you are, don’t be in a rush to drive home the next morning.

Plan ahead

- Volunteer to be a designated driver, or travel with one.

- Plan to spend the night; if you’re the host, offer ahead of time to have guests stay.

-Call a cab. Keep the number of your local cab company with you.

- Leave your keys behind. If you don’t take your vehicle with you then you won’t be tempted to drive it home.

-Arrange to have a family member or friend to pick you up at the end of the evening.



*Lock up

-Keep your home locked up even if you’re only going out for a few hours. Leave some inside lights on if possible to deter possible break-ins.



-Do not leave Christmas tree lights on, or other decorative lights and candles burning.



*Use caution when lighting fireworks

Cst .Cameron says that there is a Town bylaw restricting the use of firearms and fireworks. The RCMP or Police will respond to any complaints of gunfire and will treat all complaints seriously. “The practice of shooting a gun or lighting fireworks at the stroke of midnight during New Years is common, but not necessarily wise,� says Cameron. “It is not an activity we encourage because for safety reasons. Persons need to use caution and common sense.�



Prepare your vehicle

Nova Scotia the weather can be unpredictable so keep your vehicle ready for winter driving conditions.

-Don’t put off having snow tires installed on your vehicle.

-Keep a first aid and safety kit in your vehicle which should include a: snow shovel, flashlight, blanket, fire extinguisher, cell phone if possible and some easily accessible, non-perishable food items, such as granola bars. Cst.Cameron says that tea candles are also great to keep on hand in a vehicle. If you are stranded do not leave the car motor running. Lighting tea candles can produce enough heat to keep a person warm until help arrives.

-Always let someone know where you are heading and when you expect to arrive.

- Contact the RCMP if someone has not arrived at his or her destination during a storm. “The public can always call if they are stranded, or if they are concerned the someone may be,� says Cameron. The RCMP advises the public not attempt to locate someone during a storm. “We don’t want persons driving in extreme conditions to help someone and risk their own safety, call us instead.�



Holiday Check Points

Cst. Cameron warns there will be an increase in check points during the holidays. The objective is to instill a sense of safety for the public and send the message that the Police and RCMP are working to keep roads and homes safe. “We continue with our duties throughout the holidays.� He adds it’s also an opportunity to say ‘Happy New Year.’