Hosting a Big Game Gathering, Make Safety Your First Down

If you are getting ready for the big game, regardless of whether you are on the home team or visiting team, here are a few plays to get you through the game.

• The kitchen is where everyone huddles, and distractions can cause you to take your eyes off the ball. No half-time break if you’re frying, grilling, boiling or broiling food because the leading cause of kitchen fires is unattended cooking.
• And don’t leave food like chicken, eggs or cheese out too long, risking illness.
• Make the hard calls for safety - Throw out the yellow flag if someone has been drinking and tries to leave with keys in their hands. That’s a party foul. Suggest your guests have a plan to get home safely, or have them stay the night.
• Know your MVPs - Give the designated drivers the best seat in the house and make sure they have plenty of alcohol-free choices

Prepare the “field” outside:

• Home field advantage means you have to be ready for your fans. Block slips and falls, and tackle winter hazards like snow-covered, icy driveways, walkways and stairs to prevent delay of game and penalties.

The plays to remember for safe travel:

• Eliminate distractions. #Drive2N2: 2 eyes on the road, 2 hands on the wheel
• Drive within speed limits
• Buckle up, every trip, every time
• Stay sober and alert behind the wheel
• Plan ahead – anyone drinking should not be driving. Use alternatives modes to get there safely
• Be prepared for unexpected field conditions. Remove junk from your vehicle trunk and add a road safety kit, including items like a shovel, snow brush, ice scraper, flashlights, jumper cables, sand or kitty litter, warning devices (flares/triangles) and blankets, water, non-perishable food and any necessary medicines.
• Check game-time weather. As temperatures fall, tire pressure can too. Make sure your tires are ready for the drive down the field.