PARTY SAFETY

With most students in college going out on weekends, hanging out with friends at bars or parties is common. However, it is important to be aware of possible threats or dangers that may occur. Don’t Go Out Alone

“First, don’t ever go out to a party or bar alone! Take someone along whom you trust,” Statesboro Police Chief Mike Broadhead said in an email.

There’s safety in nuambers, so going out in groups is a good idea.

Broadhead said that you should take someone with you that you trust if you go out.

Crowds

Broadhead said that being aware of your surroundings is the first step in personal safety. “While this can be difficult when in a crowd, if you start feeling uncomfortable based on your surroundings (like if the party is getting a little too rowdy, people are bumping into you too frequently, etc), remove yourself from that situation,” said Broadhead.

Broadhead also said that sometimes it may be safer in a crowd.

“If you are at a house party and someone singles you out and their attention makes you uncomfortable, go stand or sit near others so that there are more people around,” said Broadhead.

Have a Designated Driver (DD)

Drinking and driving is very dangerous and illegal, so someone should agree to be the sober driver while out.

Every 48 minutes someone somewhere dies due to drunk driving, according to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration

The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration also says that, if you are pulled over for driving under the influence (DUI), you can be charged with a misdemeanor or even a felony.

Watch Your Drinks

Don’t leave your drink alone. If you go to the bathroom, your drink should go with you as well. Even if you leave your drink with friends, there is no guarantee they will stare it down till you get back. You should never accept drinks from strangers because you never know someone’s intentions, said Broadhead. Also, don’t accept drinks that you have not watched being made

While you are drinking,be mindful of how you are handling your drink. Be careful not to over indulge with alcoholic beverages. Too much alcohol can cause your liver to shut down and ecan even lead to death.

If you feel that your drink is hitting you harder than normal, this could be a sign that your drink was drugged because the symptoms can be similar to that of intoxication. Symptoms of these drugs, often called “date rape drugs,” include having trouble moving or controlling your muscles, dizziness, slurred speech or having problems talking, according to the Office of Women’s Health.

“If you start feeling drugged or too intoxicated, immediately get with your partner and tell them what you are feeling,” Broadhead said. “The two of you then need to move to a location with fresh air. If the symptoms persist, immediately contact Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and/or the police. The police are not interested in ‘busting’ you, they want to help you stay safe.”

Listen to Your Instincts

Always listen to the feeling in your gut. “I have heard from many people over the years who were victimized by a stranger or acquaintance, and many times the victim has told me they didn’t ‘feel right’ about the person or situation, but were afraid to be rude, so they remained in the situation and ended up getting hurt,” Broadhead said.

Be Aware

Broadhead said that when a person is out in a public place, they always need to be alert.

“If you start feeling uncomfortable based on your surroundings (like if the party is getting a little too rowdy, people are bumping into you too frequently, etc), remove yourself from that situation,” said Broadhead

He also said that if you become intoxicated, you diminish your ability to be aware of your surroundings.

“In all situations, YOU are responsible for ensuring your own safety, and that all starts with being aware,” said Broadhead.

By Ashton Christianson