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Head: Safety tips for a night on the town

When you prepare for a fun night out, you probably think about you’re going to wear, which bars you’re going to visit and which members of your squad will go with you. What you might not consider is safety and how to reduce your risk in potentially dangerous situations. Here are some tips to help ensure your night goes as smoothly as possible:

Know what constitutes “one” drink. “One” drink will look different depending on the alcohol you’re consuming. According to Alcohol & Other Drugs Campus Education Services (ACES), a regular 12-ounce beer, five-ounce glass of wine and 1.5-ounce shot of liquor each constitute one standard drink. Know your limits and drink responsibly.

Never leave your drink unattended. To decrease the likelihood of your drink being tampered with, never leave it unattended and never accept an “open” drink (that is, a drink that is not in a sealed can or bottle) without watching it being made.

Stay with your group throughout the evening. For safety purposes, it’s best to keep a friend or two with you at all times, whether you’re going to the restroom or walking to your next destination. 

Try to walk as little as possible in the dark. To reduce your risk for being attacked at night, limit your walking to and from your various destinations. Take a car (manned by a designated driver) or hitch a ride in an Uber or on a bus with your group.

For any emergency situation, always call 911.