Quick tips to stay safe this silly season
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It’s the most magical time of year – but as life gets busy and the celebrations begin to ramp up, you might be wondering how you can stay safe this silly season.
Now, we’re not trying to be party poopers or lecture you – all we’re saying is when your social schedule is suddenly more spontaneous and full of champagne and Christmas cake, taking a step back to make sure that you’re putting your own safety first is probably the last thing on your mind.
‘Cause cake. And lots of champagne. We’re right there with you. But this is also the time of year when a silly decision or silly mistake can cause a silly (or dangerous) outcome – hence why it’s called silly season.
So, to make sure you can have the most amount of fun possible while celebrating and enjoying all the things we love about summer, we’ve found some quick tips from ACT Policing to keep in mind.
Ain’t no party like a safe one
Heading to the office Christmas party to reconnect with some colleagues or catching up at a casual shindig? If you’re planning on having a drink or two, remember that:
- You don’t need to pre-load to have fun (unless it’s on snacks).
- It’s okay to say no to alcohol at any time.
- Make sure you eat before you go out (see the first dot point) and drink plenty of water.
- Pre-plan a safe way home.
- Don’t accept drinks from someone you don’t know.
Everyone handles alcohol differently, so don’t try to ‘keep up’ – you might end up reenacting the changed-fuelled karaoke scene from Bridget Jones and no one wants that (unless you sound like Mariah Carey, in that case, go for it!).
Remember, if you see someone acting strange or appearing excessively drunk despite not having much, don’t leave them alone, and make sure to seek some help. Emergency services aren’t there to judge, they’re there to make sure that you’re okay.
Read more here.
A safe night out is a good night out
Hitting the local clubs or bars to catch up with some friends before the year comes to an end? To make sure that everyone has a good night out, there are a few things you can do (including passing on that Jägerbomb shot…trust us, your head will thank you the next day).
- Look out for your friends and stay in a group.
- Don’t let your friend get a taxi or Uber alone.
- Be aware of cars when wandering to your next location.
- Make sure to tell someone (sober) your plans for the night – including who you’re going out with.
- If you’re the designated driver, park in well-lit areas.
- Remember that a lot of incidents can be easily prevented – walk away if things are looking dodgy. It’s not worth ruining the night.
Read more here.
Going away for the holidays? Lock it, light it, and safely leave it.
Ah, who doesn’t love a family road trip or holiday? But while you’re frantically deciding if you really need to pack 20 pairs of underwear for a five-day getaway, you might be forgetting about making sure that your property is just as prepared – you don’t need some Grinch stealing the presents.
- Secure your home – make sure to lock the windows and doors.
- Hide your valuables in a sneaky spot.
- Keep a light on inside.
- Ask someone to collect your mail.
- If you’re planning a longer trip, ask someone you trust to check on your home (and keep your plants alive).
- Ask your neighbours to keep an eye out for you.
Remember, if a burglar can’t see an easy way in, they often won’t try. So why risk it?
Read more here.
The most important thing to remember?
Have some fun – after another non-stop year, we deserve to cut a little loose! Now, Christmas karaoke anyone?
