Hamilton County, TN - In anticipation of tonight's New Year's Eve festivities, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office would like to offer the following safety reminders to ensure the citizens of Hamilton County enjoy a safe and meaningful holiday.

Do not drink and drive. If you will be celebrating and feel you may drink more than you should, please make sure to have a designated driver or the number to a taxi cab company.

For those with children, please make sure to keep all fireworks and matches in a safe, restricted location away from "little" hands. Never leave small children unattended with fireworks or sparklers. Avoid allowing children to wave sprinklers near other children. Always maintain a safe distance.

Follow manufacturer warning labels on all fireworks. Do not hold fireworks after they have been lit.

Please use fireworks correctly and do not aim fireworks near crowds, homes, or businesses. If you are going to use fireworks, please remember to have a water source and/or a fire extinguisher available should a fire occur.

Always make sure you decorate appropriately and avoid decorating areas where campfires or fireworks will be present.

Firearms are not a suitable or appropriate alternative for fireworks. "Remember, what goes up, must come down…"

If you have pets, especially dogs, please remember to keep them secured in a quiet part of your house/apartment so as to prevent unnecessary nervousness or discomfort. It may also help to leave your radio or TV on so as to drown out unnecessary noise.

For those of you who will be traveling or boating, please remember to obey all traffic/waterway laws and do not operate a car or boat under the influence.

If you or your family should note any unusual or suspicious activity, please contact your local law enforcement agency.

Please keep the aforementioned safety reminders in mind this upcoming holiday weekend and on behalf of the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, please have a safe and exciting New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day!