With St. Patrick's Day celebrations potentially starting a day early this year, reminders from emergency services and post-secondary institutions to plan ahead and be safe have grown louder.
Green-clad revelers traditionally flock to the downtown and student neighbourhoods around Fanshawe College and Western University before noon and stay all-day on St. Patrick's Day. But with the annual celebration of all these Irish falling on a Sunday this year, it is expected the partiers will pull on their green Saturday and keep the fun going all weekend-long.
London police and the London Fire Department began posting to social media on Monday tips to stay safe and keep officers and firefighters from attending the celebrations. Both used the 'DontInviteUs2UrParty' hashtag.
"Don’t press your luck. Plan ahead and celebrate safely this #StPatricksDay If consuming any alcohol or cannabis products, be sure to stay away from your stove," read a post for the fire department.
The police messaging advised against drinking in public, warned tickets would be issued for open liquor and underage drinking, and advised to plan ahead by having a designated driver or using a rideshare service or cab to travel from parties.
"London Police Service will have a highly visible and increased police presence throughout the city over the weekend to monitor events and enforce laws as required," said Constable Matt Dawson. "We will fairly but strictly enforce the Liquor License and Control Act, Highway Traffic Act, and Criminal Code."
He added that police aren't trying to put a damper on the celebrations.
"Public safety is our top priority; we do encourage everyone to enjoy themselves, but do so responsibly," said Dawson. "If you plan on drinking, don’t drive, make sure you have a sober ride home.”
Both Fanshawe College and Western University have been working with police and City of London bylaw officers to encourage student safety on the day. Fanshawe, with the help of its student union, plans on handing out up to 500 care packages loaded with water and snacks to students in the area. While Western has reminded its students how close they are to wrapping up their school year.
"Mustangs, you're almost at the finish line for the winter term. We're proud of all the hard work you've put in so far. Let's keep that energy up as we head into the final stretch. If you celebrate St. Patrick's Day this weekend, please do so safely," the post secondary institution said on social media on Friday.
London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) also offered up some tips to help revelers avoid an emergency room visit.
"If you are consuming [alcohol], ensure you are staying well hydrated, that you're eating throughout and doing it over the course of the day or whatever timeframe you're enjoying St. Patrick's Day," said Dr. Christie MacDonald, the hospital's head of emergency medicine.
She added other ways to prevent a trip to hospital include recognizing potential dangers before making a decision, ensuring a safe ride home prior to leaving the house, and wearing clothing that is easily visible if planning to walk home, particularly at night.
"We are prepared if there are an increased number of visits over St. Patrick's Day," said MacDonald. "When we do have celebrations we can see anything from alcohol consumption to actual traumas, so just enjoy responsibly."
The weather may help to keep the celebrations down this weekend. Environment Canada is calling for a slight chance of showers and a daytime high of 11 C on Saturday. For Sunday, the daytime high is only expected to reach 4 C.