The Christmas period is often associated with alcohol, work parties, a time to let your hair down and have fun. However, with alcohol and evenings out come risks. Therefore here is a quick guide from someone who should probably take her own advice, about how to stay safe when enjoying nights out. The easiest way to stay safe on a night out, would be to not go out in the first place. But that is not a fun, or realistic way to live a life. Whilst you’ve probably heard them all before, it’s always worth refreshing all the little things you can do in order to keep yourself safe on a night out.
Control your pre-drinking while you can
Alcohol is more than likely going to be a big part of your evening. It’s not always easy to stick to the ‘know your limits’ rule, the ‘don’t mix your drinks’ advice, and the other precautions you can take whilst you drink. However, at least make a conscious effort to do these things. A way to stop yourself overdoing it at pre-drinks is by only taking the amount of alcohol you know you can handle drinking. If you don’t have the alcohol in front of you, you can’t drink it. If you are pre-drinking at a friend’s, just pour out the amount you need, and leave the rest at home. If you are hosting, at least try to keep the rest of your alcohol in a different room. It makes it more of an effort to retrieve once you’ve finished your given amount, and at least it gives your sensible side a chance to kick in and sway your decision. Thus, first steps have been taken to not get so drunk you can’t take care of yourself, which immediately eliminates a huge risk on your night out.
Keep your valuables close
As someone who is prone to losing important possessions on an evening out, and keeping in mind the always present risk of being stolen from, I have picked up a few tips as to how to minimize the risks of going home without your phone, keys, and money. Firstly, only take out the bare minimum of what you need; rather than taking your entire purse, just take out the money you need and one bank card if you might end up in a stranded situation. Also, when possible and depending on what outfit, keep all your items on your person, as this decreases the chances of misplacing a bag, or having it taken from you without you permission. Again, alcohol hugely impacts how careful you are with your belongings, but these tips can help even when under the influence.
Keep your friends close and your enemies far, far away
Another obvious but really important way to keep safe on a night out is to stay with your friends. Yes, there may be a really good-looking guy or girl who keeps giving you the eyes, but at least tell your friends if you are going to take an early absence from the evening. Walking home alone is not at all recommended as this is when you are at your most vulnerable. This is not solely directed at girls. Be careful getting into taxis; know who you’re going with and trust the taxi driver themselves. Use an app or number that is known and trusted, and never accept a lift off a random stranger. They may be a good Samaritan helping a lonely party-goer out, but that is not something I would propose taking a chance on.
Let someone know what’s going on
Another really easy thing to do, which is more directed at people going on nights out who still live at home, but can also be done when at university and living with friends, is to tell someone who is not going out where you are going, who with, where you are planning on staying (if you are not heading home), and what time you will be returning. To have someone know you are out, and be able to keep track of you should they worry, is hugely important should something go wrong and your whereabouts becomes a mystery. Even if you don’t want to tell your parents about your evening shenanigans, at least confide in a friend so they can confirm your safety.
Ultimately, staying safe on a night out is pretty much common sense. However, it is sometimes harder to put into practice what is so often preached at us. But, make a conscious effort to follow these tips, alongside any others I may have missed out, and carry on having the time of your life whilst remaining safe and not sorry.
What are your top tips for keeping safe on a night out? Let us know in the comments below.
