While Tomball, Magnolia, Waller and surrounding area residents ring in 2010 this week with parties and fireworks, it’s important to remember to take cautionary measures to ensure the safety of family, friends and loved ones.

Magnolia Police Department Chief Domingo Ibarra, who has seen his share of New Year’s Eve nights in more than 25 years of law enforcement, shared his safety tips for the annual holiday.

“The first is the traditional, don’t drink and drive,” Ibarra said. “If you catch a buzz, catch a ride.”

In an attempt to cut down on drunk driving, authorities will be enforcing aggressive approaches to curb Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) offenses, a charge that percentage-wise is the “biggest problem” on New Year’s Eve, Ibarra said.

A less traditional, but equally important, safety tip for partygoers, Ibarra said, is to keep an eye on your drink.

“A lot of people don’t know that when you’re in a party environment, there are people you aren’t familiar with,” he said. “It’s tragic to hear that people get something slipped into their drink.”

The Chief warned that a drink should never be left unattended and if you leave the room to the use the bathroom, empty or finish your drink.

“If you feel woozy or intoxicated, go to a friend immediately and let them know,” Ibarra cautioned. “You may need medical attention quicker than you realize.”

He added that you should never accept a drink from a stranger unless it’s a bartender or server.

For additional safety, strength in numbers is a safe bet.

“Stay in groups of people at parties,” Ibarra said. “There are too many opportunistic people out there; you’re safer in groups.”

As for families camping out in the yard or street setting off fireworks, Ibarra urged the importance of having water nearby in case of a fire. He suggested having a garden hose or other water source on hand in case of an accident.

He also cautioned families to wear bright or reflective clothing to be seen better at night by vehicles.

“You looking out for vehicle is a lot safer than a vehicle looking out for you because of vehicles’ blind spots,” Ibarra said.

He also highlighted the importance of not discharging firearms.

A dangerous and rising trend across the country is people firing guns in the air to celebrate the New Year, Ibarra said.

A bullet fired in the air travels extremely fast and can remain in flight for more than a minute, resulting in deadly consequences if it struck someone, he said.

“What people may not realize, and it has happened multiple times in the country, is that is, in fact, homicide,” Ibarra said.

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