Use good judgment when consuming, serving alcohol during holidays, all year

Over the next six weeks, Kellogg employees and retirees worldwide will be celebrating the season by attending all kinds of holiday festivities.

Whenr you're making merry with family and friends at personal get-togethers remember that exercising good judgment when consuming or serving alcohol makes good safety sense.

"Our company cares about your health and safety," says Thomas Poll, Senior Director, Corporate Safety. "While we want everyone to enjoy their holiday gatherings, more than anything we hope you'll celebrate responsibly...without incident or injury."

The holiday season, of course, isn't the only time you should practice restraint and smart decision-making when it comes to your festivities - that's a responsibility each of us carries all year long.

In the spirit of our K Values - which charge us with being accountable for our actions as well as improving health and safety - here are some tips to ensure a safe and happy holiday celebration or any other occasion:

Tips for Hosts

• If you are planning an event and decide to serve alcohol, it's a good idea to hold the event in a restaurant/bar or hire a caterer that is licensed to serve alcohol. Limiting the number of bartenders is also encouraged.

• The legal drinking age applies. Alcoholic beverages should only be served to those who are 21 or older.

• Providing a cash bar with a limited number of drink tickets can help people monitor their intake.

• Make guests feel as comfortable choosing a nonalcoholic beverage as they would choosing alcohol. Put nonalcoholic drinks in a prominent, easily accessible place and by asking guests what they would like to drink, instead of pointing them to the bar or handing them an alcoholic drink when they arrive.

• Close the bar well before the end of the event or put a set limit on the time that alcohol beverages are served.

• Create a designated drivers list or offer an alternative to driving such as arranging taxi service.

Tips for Guests

• Remember that the decision to partake of alcoholic beverages is voluntary - it's yours and yours alone.

• You must be 21 to consume alcohol - regardless of the event you are attending.

• Decide on a designated driver before going to an event with a group of coworkers or friends.

• Decide ahead of time how many drinks you will have and stick to it.

• Remember that irresponsible drinking can undermine the opportunity to network and socialize, even at nonbusiness events.

• Be conscious of the amount of alcohol you consume at any event and make alternate travel arrangements if you feel you are unable to drive.

No matter if you're serving as host or guest, make sure you use good judgment and act responsibly when alcohol is being served this holiday season - and all year long.

Remember, Kellogg's Employee Assistance Program, administered by ValueOptions, is a valuable resource that's right at your fingertips if you need a helping hand. It's available to all Kellogg employees and retirees, theirs spouses and other dependents.

You can log into Value Options at www.achievesolutions.net to view a wealth of information and other resources that can help you address personal needs. Or to talk to a counselor, call 1-800-997-4841.