It’s no secret that Miami is the ultimate hub for all things nightlife. For many college students, an attractive party scene is crucial to their college experience. After all, libraries were never intended to be lived in, and tomorrow’s assignment could always be done, well, tomorrow. However, getting wild with your friends can turn into a complete nightmare if proper protocol isn’t put into place. Want to know how to stay composed amid the mania? Well, we’ve got the run-down on how to make your nights out equally safe as they are fun.
Following the rules might come off as totally “uncool,” but staying safe is actually guaranteed to keep the fun afloat. In the midst of South Florida’s booze and glamour, protecting yourself is absolutely essential. So, don’t sour your night out on the town by failing to follow simple safety precautions.
Keep an Eye on Your Alcohol
We all know that alcohol can lend itself to a multitude of mishaps and dangerous situations. The topic of “unattended drinks” is a relevant issue that all students should be aware of. Let’s keep it simple: never leave your drink unattended. A drink left abandoned is prone to be tampered with; sneaky substances can make their way into a drink without leaving any sign that your cup has been touched.
To ensure security while drinking, always keep your drink in hand. Never accept drinks from strangers, even if the situation or person seems completely harmless. If possible, closely watch the bartender make your drink so that you know exactly what your being served. Want to enjoy the night out sober? Even better. Chances are you’ll be much more aware of your surroundings and be saving a good amount of money too.
Retain All Possessions
In addition to supervising your drinks, make sure to be aware of your belongings. Thieves lurk everywhere, so always keep track of your items. University of Miami junior, Isabelle Fitzpatrick knows far too well about the unhinged stealing incidents in Miami.
“I’ve had personal items stolen twice in Brickell,” said Fitzpatrick. “One time my wallet was taken out of my purse at the Komodo restaurant. Another time my phone was stolen out of my purse in Socialista. When my phone was taken, I luckily had driven that night and wasn’t drinking so I was able to get home. If I would’ve been depending on an Uber to take me home like usual, I definitely would’ve been in a tough situation.”
Pickpockets are bold here in Miami, so even if you have your belongings in a bag keep a tight grip on it. Throughout the night periodically check if you have everything you brought. Just a quick personal pat-down will do!
Get Protective.
In need of ultimate defense weapon? Pepper spray is the way to go. The state of Florida allows the possession of pepper spray in public areas, though no container should hold more than two ounces of spray. Pepper spray can cause quite the sting — getting it in your eyes can cause sensitivity to light, redness, and difficulty opening eyes. While pepper spray is legal in Florida, make sure to get a heads up to see if the tool is allowed at your chosen venue.
“I own pepper spray but always forget to put it in my bag before going out with my friends,” Fitzpatrick shares. “A lot of clubs in Miami actually check your bag anyways and don’t allow weapons. I’ve actually gotten in the habit of keeping a wine corkscrew in my bag since I work in the service industry, but I like to think that I could use that for self-defense if I really needed to.”
If pepper spray confiscations put a damper on your night, aim to keep a good distance from any potential danger and survey the scene for anyone who may be able to lend a hand, if needed.
Ride, Reliably
So you’re ready to go out, but how exactly how exactly are you getting there? Believe it or not, transportation to and from a bar, club or any function is extremely important. The rules of drunk driving are loud and clear, but what about all of the ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft? Don’t be fooled by a driver who simply “looks the part.” Adopt these four paramount tips when waiting for your next ride.
- Match the license plates
- Does the license plate in front of you match the one provided on the app? If not, don’t accept the ride.
- The “Name Game
- Always ask the driver to say your name before accepting the ride. Sure, you know their name, but to ensure that they are who they say they are, make sure they can accurately identify you by your name.
- Use a Code
- If you’re using Uber, make sure to turn on the code feature in the settings. This way, the driver can’t start the journey before getting a specific code from you.
- Spot the GPS
- Do you know where you’re going? Make sure that the driver’s GPS is always visible. If you sense that something looks fishy, let the driver know.
University of Miami junior Julianna Sondon makes sure to apply these helpful tactics every time she goes out with friends.
“If we’re taking a car like an Uber or Lyft and the car passes our destination, I’m sure to pay attention to where we are and tell the driver ‘you’ve missed our destination,’” said Sondon. “I also share my location with my family members or other friends that have stayed home so that if needed, they can get to me in case of an emergency.”
Avoid Sketchy Affairs
Have you ever had that feeling where a certain situation feels a bit, well, off? Avoid those spots at all costs. High-traffic times of year such as the infamous “spring break” weekend welcome wild personalities and habits that can be unsafe and downright terrifying. If certain areas make your stomach turn, turn the other way around. Friendly PSA to all of the ladies out there: if there seems to be no other women present, look no further, and exit the premises.
Intuition Always Wins
While self-defense tactics and acute attention skills are extremely important in ensuring a safe night out, there’s one skill that only you know best, and that’s trusting your gut. Listening to your instincts will never fail, especially if in the unfortunate presence of danger and uncertainty. When in doubt, listen to your gut. If your body senses that something isn’t quite right, believe it. Don’t waste time trying to rationalize the situation at hand or excusing things that are completely unwarranted. Examine the scene, reassemble the group you arrived with, and pinpoint the best course of action, that will guarantee safety and security apart from all of the danger. If you’re in the thick of a crime or emergency near campus, contact the University of Miami police department and provide them with detailed information regarding the nature, severity and location of the incident.
Now, before you embark on a thrilling night out, remember this one final tip: “It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt.” While nightlife is meant to take a weight off one’s shoulders, it can often lead to serious distress when situations aren’t handled properly. Stay alert, be aware, and of course, have some fun.
words_kaya langley. photo_gracie herberholt & remi turner. design_charlotte deangelis.
This article was published in Distraction’s Spring 2024 print issue.
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