New Year's Eve is one of the biggest nights for celebration across the country. To make sure you can enjoy the first day of the new year remember to take precautions on the night before. It is not just about driving and parties, there is also fireworks and friends safety.

• PLAN A SOBER RIDE: If you intend to drink, make sure you plan ahead for ride. Ask a sober friend or family member, use a rideshare app or take a taxi. With so many options there is no excuse to drive intoxicated, putting your life and the lives of others at risk.

• EAT DINNER: Eating food, especially foods high in protein such as meat, cheese and nuts, will help slow down the absorption of alcohol in the digestive system. This gives the alcohol more time to metabolize in the body, resulting in a lower risk of alcohol poisoning.

• LIMIT ALCOHOL INTAKE: Our liver metabolizes about one alcoholic drink per hour. This generally equates to a 12 oz. beer, a 4-5 oz. glass of wine, or 1.5 oz. of hard liquor. By sipping a drink rather than chugging it, your body will have more time to metabolize the alcohol.

When it comes to fireworks, follow the same rules on New Year's Eve that you would any other time of the year.

• It's safest to leave it to the experts - watch a public fireworks display from a safe distance
• If you feel you must light your own fireworks, obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks
• Never allow children to handle or light any kind of fireworks
• Remember, fireworks and alcohol don't mix
• Always have a bucket of water and a charged water hose nearby
• Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and placing them in a metal trash can away from buildings or combustible materials

If you're going to a party or heading to a public event, make plans to arrive and leave with a group.

• Communicate your plans with your family and your group before you leave
• Check in with each other throughout the night, especially if your plans change

Make sure your phone is fully charged for the evening and we wish you a Happy New Year!