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I wish I didn’t have to write this article. We should be able to go on a night out without being concerned for our safety. However, unfortunately, with hundreds of spiking cases being reported last October alone, it has meant that many of us now think twice before going out at night.
So, if you’re due to go out on the town and you’re feeling worried, here are our top tips for staying safe when you’re out with your mates. And remember, if something does happen, it’s never your fault.
- Stay in well-lit areas
If you’re outside, or feel unsafe while inside, then it is best to try and stay in well-lit areas.
Avoid dark roads, and when outside make sure you stay where there are lots of people around, rather than deserted areas.
- Don’t let your drink out of your sight
While spiking shouldn’t be something we have to worry about, and the focus should be put on stopping those who do it, it’s a sad truth that it’s something we have to be wary of when we’re out.
Make sure you keep your drink in your sight the whole time, and a good idea is to try and get hold of some form of lid or bottle stopper so you can cover the entrance of your beverage.
- Safety in numbers
One of the best ways to stay safe on a night out is to go with a group of friends who you know and trust.
Try not to wander off on your own, and make sure you have the phone numbers of the people you are with.
You can get these online and they’re usually very small and portable so you can keep them in your purse, handbag or even pocket to use whenever you need it.
- Take a taxi home with people you trust
When you go home at night, it’s best not to walk home and to instead take a taxi with at least one other person who you trust. However, we all know how annoyingly expensive Ubers can be, so if you can’t afford to do this then using a form of public transport, such as a night bus or night tube is a good back-up. And again, make sure you are with a friend.
Another good idea is to take a photo of the taxi (with the number plate visible), or screenshot the page of the Uber app which has the driver’s details, and send this to someone.
- Share your location
If you are able to share your location on your phone (such as on ‘My Friends’ on an iPhone) then a good idea is to do this with a couple of friends.
Share your location with the people you’re out with just in case anyone gets lost, and also share it with someone who isn’t on the night out with you (such as a parent or guardian).
- Only take what you need
Avoid taking any valuables with you as this could potentially make you more susceptible to being robbed.
This also means you can avoid that stomach-churning realization the morning after that you’ve lost your new set of AirPods.
- Make sure your phone is fully charged
Keys, wallet, phone (charger), the old adage goes.
Make sure that your phone has plenty of charge. If you have a portable charger then it might be a good idea to bring this with you, especially if you’re planning on being out for a long time.
- Take a safety alarm
If you’re wanting to take extra precautions when , then there are safety alarms you can get online. These usually fit nicely into your bag, and can be used if you find yourself in a situation where you feel uncomfortable.
Hopefully we’ll soon reach a time where we won’t have to be nervous before going out at night but, however long this takes, no one can stop us from enjoying ourselves. We can have fun and stay safe at the same time!
Enjoyed this article? Read more here: London’s best LGBTQIA+ nights and clubs
