Crime & Safety

Free Tailgate Party Kits Available from Strongsville Police

Bundle includes grilling goodies — and a reminder not to let guests drink and drive

The Strongsville Police Department and the Cuyahoga County Safe Communities Coalition are encouraging football fans to plan ahead before enjoying their favorite gridiron battles this fall.  

“We want all community members to enjoy football games and the parties that often accompany them,” said Strongsville Sgt. Michael Grywalsky, “but we also want everyone to return home safely. Making the decision to not drink and drive or prepare for a safe ride home is the best game plan.”

To help hosts gear up for game day celebrations and prevent impaired driving, Strongsville Police will provide “tailgate party hosting” kits, while supplies last.  

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Each kit includes:

· Grilling apron

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· Grill towel

· Container for gusts’ keys

· Recipe guide with great non-alcoholic drinks

· Drink coasters

· Drink napkins

· $5 Giant Eagle gift card

· $5 Ace Taxi voucher

To pick up your kit, visit the Strongsville Police Department, 18688 Royalton Rd. You will need to complete a short questionnaire.

“As a party host, you are responsible for the actions of your guests,” Grywalsky said.

You can be held civilly liable if someone leaves your party, gets behind the wheel, and hurts himself or someone else in a crash. A driver does not have to be heavily intoxicated to be impaired — impairment can begin with the first drink.  Driving skills and abilities are impaired in most people long before they exhibit visible signs of drunkenness. 

When hosting an event where alcohol is served, take steps to keep your guests safe:

1. Reassure your guests who don’t want to drink that they can still have fun.  Don’t force drinks on your guests or rush to refill their glasses right away.

2. Always serve food, especially high-protein foods like cheese and meats that stay in the stomach longer, slowing down the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream.

3. Avoid mixing alcohol with carbonated beverages because carbonation increases the speed that the body absorbs alcohol.

4. Have non-alcoholic drinks available.

5.Stop serving alcohol two hours before the party is over, but continue serving non-alcoholic drinks and food. But be aware that this two-hour wait is not enough time for most people to clear all the alcohol form their system.

6. DON’T LET PEOPLE DRINK AND DRIVE. Carpooling and cabs can save lives. It’s the responsibility of EVERYONE (especially the party host) to stop drinkers from driving. 

7. Last, but far from least, make sure that all your guests know how you feel about drinking and driving.

The kits are provided in partnership with the Cuyahoga Country Safe communities Coalition, Budweiser and Ace Taxi.


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