There’s no way to sugarcoat the fact that life is stressful and sometimes chaotic. From dealing with work stress to handling family and social obligations, there are times when one may feel overwhelmed. There are many ways of dealing with stress and unwinding and one of them is a good ol’ night out.
Hitting the bar for a couple of drinks, especially with friends, is a good way to let off some steam and improve your mood. You can even hit the dance floor if you are feeling inspired, probably by your friends or some alcohol, and have some laughs with your companions. However, there are some tips you need to follow for an enjoyable night out.
“Accidents and injuries are not uncommon at bars and nightclubs. You can go out for a night of fun only to have the fun ruined by a brutal attack or assault. This is why you should know how to stay safe whenever you are at a bar and know your rights in case you are involved in any accident,” says an experienced lawyer at SafetyRights.com.
This isn’t to scare you or discourage you from going out for a night of fun. Instead, it’s to motivate you to take your safety seriously so your night of fun can be a night of fun. Below are simple tips for a safe night out.
Prepare For The Night Out
You read that right. There are some preparations you need to observe when going for a night out. Start by ensuring your phone is charged before you leave your home. You may need to book a cab later in the night or contact your friend/family members for a lift. You’ll also need your phone in case of any emergency, so it’s important it’s well-charged before you leave your home.
If you intend to spend cash at the club/bar, withdraw from an ATM/cash-point during the day. It’s more dangerous to use ATMs at night, so have your cash ready before it starts to get dark.
Your keys, cash, ID, and other valuables should be kept where you won’t lose them. You can bring a bag along to keep your valuables. If this is the case, your bag should be with you at all times throughout the night.
Sometimes, people gather at a friend’s place before a night out for ‘pre-drinks’ and to allow everyone go to the club together. Keep track of the amount of alcohol you take before going to the club to ensure you don’t take too much alcohol.
Safety In Numbers
There’s safety in numbers and it’s better if you are partying with your amigos. Potential criminals and trouble makers tend to stay away from people in groups. But if you are partying solo, no problem. Just make sure you stay close to people.
Treat everyone you meet with respect and know how to read their vibes/body language. If someone seems like they don’t want to interact with you, leave them alone. Same thing applies to you. If someone is making you feel uncomfortable, politely tell them you are not interested in a conversation.
If for any reason you are feeling unsafe at a nightclub, report to the management. They’ll look into it as they have an obligation to keep everyone on their premises safe.
Drink Responsibly And Watch Your Drink
Drinking to a stupor is no fun. Know your limit and drink in moderation. Don’t drink on an empty stomach. Alcohol passes directly into your bloodstream when your stomach is empty and this means you get intoxicated faster. On the other hand, alcohol absorption is reduced when you eat before drinking.
Pace your drinking. There’s no reason to rush your drinks as doing so is likely to get you intoxicated faster. And whenever you are feeling drunk – usually characterized by slurred speeches, loss of balance, and blurred vision – stop drinking. You are already at or even past your limit.
Always keep an eye on your drink and never leave it unattended to. If you have to leave a drink for any reason, order for another one when you are back. There’s always the risk of drink spiking and it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Book A Taxi
Unless you can really hold your liquor or drink in moderation, don’t drive home after a night out. If you intend to take a taxi home, book a cab or taxi from a licensed and reputable company. Don’t take an unregistered taxi for any reason.
If you intend to walk home, stick to well-lit areas. Criminals tend to stay away from areas with good lighting and CCTV. Stick to routes you are familiar with and avoid taking shortcuts, especially through dark alleys.
Keep valuables out of sight as displaying signs of wealth like expensive phones, electronics, and jewelry is bound to attract the attention of thieves. You never know who is lurking in the shadows.
