With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, it’s a good time to talk about safety during “party holidays”. With the traditionally alcohol-filled holiday falling on a weekend this year, the celebrations are likely to get a little extra rowdy. Here are some guidelines to help keep you and your friends safe while you’re out enjoying your green beer:
The More The Merrier
You know what they say – there’s safety in numbers! Going out and sticking with a group is one way to ensure everyone’s safety.
Arrive with a group and leave with the same group.
- Try to stay in groups of 3
- Do not go to the bathroom alone
If your friend/loved one passes out from “too much fun”:
- Roll them to their side
- Check for breathing, pulse, and attempt to wake them up
- If in doubt, call 911
Share your location with someone you trust.
- Life360 and other geosharing apps are a great way to share your location with a loved one.
- If you lose your phone or something happens, your friends can use your location history.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
When arriving or leaving the celebration, it’s always a good idea to look around. Being aware of your surroundings is another layer of security when you’re out at the bar or at a party.
Situational awareness is key
- Be aware of your exits
- If the hair on your neck goes up, or you feel uneasy, there is a reason for it – leave immediately, or move towards the exit with your friends
- If something happens (fight, emergency, bangs/booms), move diagonally through the crowd and not in a straight line. Keep moving, and don’t stop.
DO NOT leave drinks unattended
- If you set your drink down and look away, especially if you walk away, you should dispose of the beverage.
- There are plenty of anti-spiking drink covers available online at retailers such as Amazon, Etsy.
DO NOT accept drinks from someone you don’t know or just met
- Receive the beverage directly from the bartender/wait-staff or decline it
- If someone is making you feel uncomfortable for declining, let the bartender/wait-staff or security know
Phone Safety
- Making friends is great, but DO NOT give your phone to new friends to “enter their number” and DO NOT scan an unknown QR code.
- Open a note app, and record their number, along with their name, approximate height, and any other physical descriptions
If you see someone who has collapsed, passed out, or appears sleeping, let the staff or security know immediately.
- If you are outside, contact 911, and DO NOT approach them yourself
Walking to your vehicle or ride
- Call a friend, and talk loudly so people know you are on the phone while you are walking.
- Keep pepper spray or a small flashlight in your pocket or purse, and keep it in your hand when walking.
- Before getting into your vehicle, look at your door handle and windows for any signs of tampering or residue.
- Look in your back seat before getting into the vehicle
Vehicle Safety
Getting yourself a sober ride is not only safe, but it will be a lot cheaper than an arrest for impaired driving. According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, from 2015 – 2022 there were more than 1,400 DWI arrests and 169 alcohol related crashes in Minnesota over the St. Patrick’s Holiday.
Arrange your ride or schedule your Uber/Lyft in the morning (and stick to the pickup times!)
- Inform a friend or loved one of your pickup times and what locations you’ll be going to.
- By scheduling the ride earlier in the day, you’ll be less likely to change your plans and get behind the wheel.
WEAR YOUR SEATBELT!
- Not only is it the law, but of the drivers killed in alcohol related crashes, nearly 75% are not buckled in.
When at a traffic light, after the light turns green, count to 4 before driving.
- A stoplight or stop sign can’t physically stop a car from blowing through it!
- Always look both ways before driving ahead .
Parking Safety
- Park at the end of ramps near doors/exits, under lights or street lamps, and if possible back into your spot.
- Keep a flashlight, metal pen, or pepper spray in your drink holder by the passenger seat.
Have Fun, but STAY SAFE!
