Time to Team Up with Your Law Enforcement Brothers & Sisters!
I send this “playbook” every year for Super Bowl Sunday because whether on duty or off duty, we all have skin in the game. You could even use this as part of your Community Risk Reduction program in your community as everyone’s position starts as Safety. Make it a team effort with your law enforcement brothers and sisters so we can all be winners!
Time to Kick off
Did you know that Super Bowl Sunday ranks second, only behind Thanksgiving, for the most food consumption in one day? It is estimated that over 325 million gallons of beer is consumed on Super Bowl Sunday too!
DUI crashes involving injury are 41 percent more likely to occur on Super Bowl Sunday than on any other Sunday in January or February. Additionally, New Year’s Eve was the only night of the year with a higher rate, with a 44 percent increase.
As you can see, the stakes are high, so it’s important that “everyone” is a Safety Officer on Super Bowl Sunday!
As you prepare for Super bowl festivities make sure to be a good sport and always keep safety front and center with this playbook.
Are you hosting the game in your home field? Be a good quarterback and avoid a false start with unhealthy foods. Keep the tight end looking just that by adding healthy snacks to your menu instead of high fat foods or go for that super bowl trophy by serving all healthy snacks.
Watch your safety as you prepare game day meals and snacks, follow food safety guidelines to prevent illness. If you’re barbequing, make sure you have a fire extinguisher near and keep the grill away from combustibles.
Limit alcohol. None of us want a penalty for drinking and driving. Be a good linebacker and take steps to make sure you and other guests avoid driving under the influence of alcohol. Be a good center and designate a non-drinking driver before any party or celebration begins.
Never leave children unattended and make sure your pets can handle the excitement before placing them in new or strange situations.
Don’t be the “Offensive Lineman” by being a poor sport or offending others. People and their behavior have a tendency to change on Super Bowl Sunday. Don’t get tackled unexpectantly; keep the attitude in check and use common sense!
Have fun, be safe and avoid any unnecessary roughage by being smart!
Sam DiGiovanna is a 40-year fire service veteran. He started with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, served as Fire Chief at the Monrovia Fire Department, and currently serves as Chief at the Verdugo Fire Academy in Glendale. He also is Associate Director for the California Training Officers Association and a consultant for www.Lexipol.com