New York State Department of Health Urges New Yorkers To Follow Super Bowl Safety Tips

Department Provides Superbowl Safety Tips to Keep Residents Safe

Department Super Bowl Ad Urging New Yorkers Not to Smoke to Air in Rochester and Buffalo

ALBANY, N.Y. (February 7, 2025) – The New York State Department of Health urges New Yorkers to take precautions during Super Bowl Sunday festivities.

"It is totally fair to be upset the Bills are not in the Super Bowl. I am as well, yet I do plan on watching the game and the commercials with my family. Watching the Super Bowl for many of us will be about being with friends, enjoying great healthy food, and waiting for next year, yet it's important to keep yourselves, your homes, and guests safe while watching the big game," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "Watch your alcohol intake, prevent others from drinking and driving and keep food at proper temperatures. We want our great team, New Yorkers, to have an enjoyable and safe experience on Sunday."

The Department provides tips to keep New Yorkers safe on Super Bowl Sunday.

Alcohol Safety:

  • Drive completely sober. One alcoholic beverage can be one too many.
  • Have options so everyone can get home safely. Designate a sober driver, call a taxi, or rideshare.
  • If chosen to be the designated driver, take the job seriously and don't drink.
  • If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact local law enforcement.
  • If a friend or guest is about to drink and drive take away their keys and have someone sober drive them home.

Food Safety:

  • Wash hands with soap and running water before, during and after preparing food and before eating.
  • Separate raw meats from ready-to-eat foods like raw fruits and vegetables when preparing, serving, or storing foods.
  • Make sure food is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
  • Keep hot foods hot (140°F or warmer) and cold foods cold (40°F or colder) throughout the game.
  • Discard perishable food sitting at room temperature for more than two hours.

Home Safety:

  • Ensure TVs are securely attached to the wall or furniture with safety straps to avoid tipping/falling accidents.
  • Don't plug game-day devices (TV, sound system, phone chargers) into one socket. Use power strips with surge protectors.
  • Keep cords covered or taped down to prevent tripping hazards.
  • Move fragile decorations, glassware, or valuable items out of common areas to keep them safe.
  • Keep your bedroom or other private spaces locked to protect your belongings.

The Department will air the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Tips from Former Smokers campaign ad, Noel's Tip in Rochester and Buffalo during the Super Bowl. The ad shares how Noel, a New York City resident, suffered a heart attack at 36 years old due to addiction to menthol flavored tobacco and encourages people who smoke to quit by getting help from the New York State Quitline.  The New York State Quitline provides free, personalized and confidential evidence-based support, including information, tools, and quit coaching, in both English and Spanish, with resources for those who are not insured. Services are available by calling 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) or texting 'Quit Now' to 333888. For more services, visit nysmokefree.com. Tobacco users can also contact their doctor or other healthcare providers for treatment and medications to help them overcome their nicotine addiction.

The Department hopes all New York football fans have a safe and enjoyable Super Bowl Sunday.