Don't Be a Victim: New Year's Eve

WSVN -- New Year's Eve -- it's the biggest party night of the year. From house parties to gatherings at bars, there are a few things you can do to stay safe.

Sgt. Michael Frevola: "New Year's is what we like to call in the police business 'Rookie Night.' People go out that usually don't go out and drink on New Year's."

You've heard it before, but it's worth repeating. If you're going to drink have a plan for how you're going to get home.

Sgt. Michael Frevola: "Taxies, limos, designated drivers."

And you should have that plan before you go out.

Once you're out at a public place, you can't let your guard down because the criminals know what they're looking for.

Sgt. Michael Frevola: "They're looking for you. They're going to be looking for that person stumbling out of a house or stumbling out of a bar, not having all their faculties together."

Here's what you need to do: First, know what you are drinking.

Sgt. Michael Frevola: "They get involved in situations where they may have a tendency to accept a drink from somebody they wouldn't normally accept a drink from."

You want to know what's in that drink to make sure it's not spiked with date rape drugs or worse.

A better bet, go to the bar and get your own.

Sgt. Michael Frevola: "Stay right there, don't turn around. Pay attention to what they're pouring you. If they don't pour you what you asked for, have them pour it out and start all over again."

And have a buddy system.

Sgt. Michael Frevola: "Don't let a friend who may be intoxicated go off with an unknown stranger that she just met or he just met. Stay with the people you go with and travel together."

If you are hosting your own New Year's party you need to know you are responsible for your guests.

Sgt. Michael Frevola: "Every drink you pour and every guest you get intoxicated at your house, you're responsible for them."

That means if they drive drunk you could be held accountable for the accident.

Sgt. Frevola says you're best bet is to plan ahead.

Sgt. Michael Frevola: "Even if they're your friends, make sure you take their keys away, call them a cab or have other services available for them to leave your party."

Hire a driver, or appoint a designated driver, that can take your guests home.

Sgt. Michael Frevola: "There's so many more people going out. There's so many more people traveling."

Because the bottom line is be safe.

And one more note: If you're going to a house party, and you don't know everyone there, keep track of your valuables. Don't leave your purse or wallet in a coat or lying around where someone can get them.