Going out clubbing can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to stay safe while you’re doing it. A lot of threats can lurk in the darkness of a nightclub, so here are some tips to keep yourself safe.
1. Choose Your Clothing Wisely
The first thing you’ll want to think about is what you’re wearing because this can have a huge impact on your safety. You want to avoid wearing anything that makes you look like an easy target. This means avoiding clothing that is revealing or that looks expensive. You also want to avoid carrying around a lot of valuables with you. In dangerous neighborhoods, you’ll also want to make sure you’re safe because a shooting might occur. To stay protected, wear soft body armor that is designed to stop bullets yet still look like regular clothing. You don’t want to be collateral damage during a nightclub shooting. And, if you’re a female, carrying a concealed weapon, like a taser or brass knuckles, can help you feel safer.
2. Keep an Eye on Your Drink
When you’re out at the bar and ordering drinks, keep an eye on your drink at all times. Even if someone asks to hold it for you or says they have one just like it, don’t trust that person with your drink. Some people might tamper with your drink when you look away to drug you and take advantage of you later. Make sure that nobody is putting anything into your glass so that this doesn’t happen to you. For example, if you’re at a dance club, there might be people who spike drinks with MDMA (ecstasy) to get people to hook up with them.
3. Go Out With Friends
Whenever possible, try to go out clubbing with friends. Not only is this more fun, but it’s also much safer. If you go out alone, you’re an easy target for predators or thieves. But if you go out with a group of friends, you can watch each other’s backs and make sure that everyone stays safe. For example, if one friend needs to use the restroom, another friend can go with them to make sure they don’t get lost or taken advantage of while they’re away from the group.
4. Don’t Go Out Too Late
It might seem like a good idea to stay out as late as you can so that you aren’t home alone, but it’s not really worth the risk and it will only leave you feeling drained the next day. You want to stay in control of your behavior at all times because if your judgment is impaired or if you start drinking too much, bad things can happen. So set an alarm for yourself and head home at least before 2 AM so that you don’t put yourself in danger.
5. Keep Your Distance from Strangers
When you’re at the nightclub, it’s important not to let anyone get too close to you, even friends and acquaintances. If someone starts getting too touchy-feely with you or seems like they want physical contact with you, just brush them off and move away from them so that they can’t take advantage of you. So, always have an exit strategy in mind in case a stranger starts harassing you and something goes wrong. Whether it’s an emergency or you just want to leave the club early, it’s important to know how you’re going to get out safely. Make sure that you know where all of the exits are located and that you have a way to call for help if needed. For example, keep your cell phone charged and with you at all times so that you can call 911 if necessary.
6. Don’t Drive
Last but not least, make sure that you don’t drive if you go out clubbing. You might be tempted to leave because of how late it gets or because you start feeling a little sick or don’t feel like waiting in the taxi line, but driving home after drinking is never a good idea. Alcohol can impair your judgment and coordination when driving, so just stay where you are and take a taxi instead.
When going out for a night at the club, there are several things that you should keep in mind to stay safe. These include choosing your clothing wisely, keeping an eye on your drink, going out with friends, not staying out too late, keeping your distance from strangers, and not driving home after drinking. By following these tips, you can help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable time while clubbing.
