Partying on the Plaza: Local officials give safety tips ahead of New Years Eve celebrations
SALISBURY, Md. – The city of Salisbury is getting ready to celebrate its 10th year of the New Years eve ball drop, and folks are excited to let the good times roll, but not without a few safety precautions in place.
“A lot of the safety hazards surrounding New Years are similar to 4th of July, when you look at it,” said Salisbury Police Department Chief, David Meienschein.
With the upcoming event, organizers and law enforcement have some tips to ensure you have a safe and fun night.
Before you arrive downtown, Chief Meienschein said you should arrange a ride, if you plan to consume alcohol.
“If you’re going to drink on New Years, and if you’re going to travel away from your home, just like you would on any other occasion, or any other event, make sure you have a plan in place to call an uber, or call a taxi, or set up some sort of designated driver,” Chief Meienschein said.
If this is your first time partying in Salisbury, the downtown ambassadors will be your best friend, guiding you through the event footprint if you get lost.
Events technical manager, Chris Ford, said if you can’t find your way around, you should contact an ambassador, because they’re there to help.
“Our downtown ambassadors are going to be walking around, so if you’re unfamiliar with the downtown area, you can call 1833DTWNSBY, and a downtown ambassador will come and assist you,” Ford said. “If you need a place to go, or if you don’t know where you’re going, they’ll actually pick you up and take you to that place.”
Echoing that tip, Chief Meienschein said there will also be increased police presence.
“We’re going to have folks on foot, were going to have folks on duty in the peripheral, doing other duties, we’ll have extra folks available to respond downtown,” Chief Meienschein said.
While you’re out and about having fun, you should stay vigilant.
Chief Meienschein said if you see something suspicious, you should say something to one of the many patrols that’ll be on sight.
“If you see something that doesn’t look normal, or doesn’t look right, whether it be a particular individual acting suspicious, or if it’s an individual that you see that might have had too much to drink, it’s better to call and let us know,” Chief Meienschein said.
“We would much rather engage somebody before they get behind the wheel, to help them come up with a plan, instead of after the fact, once they’re behind the wheel and there’s an issue,” Chief Meienschein added.
