St. Patrick’s Day parades are held across the globe each year, and these occasions draw people from all ethnic backgrounds. Large-scale affairs like the parades in New York City and Chicago draw tens of thousands of revelers each year, and even local parades draw crowds.

The jovial atmosphere surrounding St. Patrick’s Day parades can make it easy to overlook safety. But some simple precautionary measures can ensure St. Patrick’s Day revelers stay safe and healthy and still have fun at this year’s parade.

Dress for the cold. If not for parades, many people would stay indoors on St. Patrick’s Day (or whenever local parades are held). That’s because the weather in many areas in mid-March is still very cold. In addition to making sure they wear green, parade goers should also make sure to bundle up. Dress in layers that can be easily removed should temperatures rise unexpectedly.

Choose a convenient meeting place. Pick an easily identifiable place to meet up should members of the party get separated. If you’re unfamiliar with the area, visit the parade route in the days before the festivities so you can find a place that sticks out. Businesses with signs that stretch high into the air can make ideal meeting places, as pedestrians in the midst of large crowds can just look up in the air to see where they are in relation to the predetermined meetup spot.

Carry young children in thick crowds. St. Patrick’s Day parade crowds can be rowdy, and some revelers may not notice young children watching the parade alongside them. When the crowds grow, pick young children up so they can still see the parade and so they are not accidentally bumped into by fellow parade goers.

Avoid driving. If possible, take mass transit to the parade. Some parade routes are several miles long, so parking might not be readily available around the parade route. Long walks from the car to the parade can be difficult for parade goers with young children in tow. Investigate mass transit options and go that route if trains or buses drop passengers off in close proximity to the parade.

St. Patrick’s Day parades tend to be lively, crowded affairs. Revelers can ensure the parades are also safe events by taking a few simple precautionary measures.