news and blogs

New Year's Eve Safety Tips

As we bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new, your business may be hosting or you may be attending a grand New Year's Eve celebration. Whether you’re attending the ball drop or hosting a large event, you should not neglect the importance of security and safety. For event organizers and attendees, here's a comprehensive safety checklist to ensure everyone enjoys the festivities as we ring in 2024. 

Major Security Incidents During New Years Eve

Many security incidents that occur during New Year’s Eve are preventable and can be avoided. For example, overcrowding has caused and contributed to stampedes and incidents of violence at New Year’s Eve events in the past. Also, hosting hundreds of people without a proper entrance and exit plan can lead to issues in an emergency. Additionally, improper monitoring of alcohol consumption and fireworks significantly escalates the likelihood of hazardous situations. 

These incidents not only put attendees at risk, but have potential to tarnish the reputation of event organizers, resulting in legal consequences. Implications of these consequences for New Year's Eve event organizers include:

• Personal Injuries: In crowded and chaotic environments like midnight ball drops, individuals can easily get injured due to falls, trampling, or altercations. These incidents result in physical harm and emotional trauma for attendees and workers alike.

• Legal Repercussions: In the event of an incident occurring, event organizers may face legal action from injured parties seeking compensation for damages or negligence.

• Negative Publicity: News coverage of any security incident at a New Year’s Eve event can tarnish the reputation of event organizers, causing financial losses and impacting the ability to host future events.

To prevent these incidents from occurring, here is a safety checklist that both event-goers and organizers should heed for their New Years celebrations:

1. Plan Ahead and Stay Informed: Preparation is key when it comes to ensuring the safety of your New Year's Eve event. As an organizer, familiarize yourself with the venue layout, identify all exit points, and have a clear evacuation plan in case of emergencies. Attendees should also make themselves aware of these details upon arrival. We recommend providing your attendees with a map of festivities prior to the event, and making your signage clear on site. 

If you haven’t invested in a Physical Security Assessment for your establishment, we recommend doing this first to best fortify your security measures. Read more on that here.

2. Ensure Responsible Alcohol Consumption: New Year's Eve often comes with a champagne toast at midnight. Remember that excessive alcohol consumption can lead to potentially dangerous situations. Event organizers should consider hiring professional bartenders who can monitor alcohol intake, and also ensure plenty of non-alcoholic beverages are available. Attendees should remember to drink responsibly and know their limits.

3. Steer Clear of Fireworks: Fireworks add a touch of magic to the night, but they also pose significant risks when not handled safely. It's also best to leave firework displays to the professionals. If you're organizing an event, consider alternatives like confetti cannons or laser light shows. Attendees should also maintain a safe distance from any firework displays and report any unsafe behavior to event staff.

4. Prepare for Medical Emergencies: Despite our best efforts, accidents can still happen during events. To ensure the safety of attendees, it is crucial for event organizers to have medical personnel readily available on standby. Additionally, a well-stocked first aid kit should be easily accessible, accompanied by trained professionals who can effectively use it. It is equally important for attendees to be familiar with the location of first aid facilities. We always recommend having an Emergency Action Plan in place.

5. Know Your Duty: As an event organizer, you have a duty of care to protect your attendees. This includes providing adequate security staff, having a robust response plan for potential incidents, and ensuring all health and safety regulations are adhered to. If you're an attendee, don't hesitate to notify event staff or security if you notice anything suspicious or potentially dangerous. Your safety and well-being should always be the top priority.

New Year’s Eve Safety and Security

New Year's Eve is a night of excitement and revelry, but it's also important to maintain safety and security measures to ensure everyone has a good time without any incidents. Safety should never be compromised in times of celebration. With large crowds and potential hazards, stay prepared for any situation that may arise. Enjoy a joyful and secure celebration with this New Year's Eve safety blog! Ready to take your security measures to the next level? Contact us today for expert guidance.