Forest Park Southeast is home to The Grove, a booming business and entertainment district in St. Louis City. Going out at night and supporting local businesses is great, but you should always keep your safety in mind! Here are some tips for going out at night.
- Go out in a group – When friends go out together it is easier to keep an eye on each other and help one another if someone in the group might be in trouble. If going out alone or meeting someone you don’t know well, make sure someone knows where you are going, when you’ll be back, and how to reach you.
- Keep your phone charged – You don’t know when your phone might be necessary. Keep it charged in case you need to call the police or a friend.
- Keep valuables out of sight – Don’t carry anything on you that can’t be replaced. Also, only carry as much money as you’ll need.
- Drink less – It’s fun to cut loose on a Friday night, but you should never drink so much that your safety is compromised. Make sure you are able to get home.
- Check out the reputation of the place you are going to – Nothing is worse than going somewhere new and it makes you feel uneasy. A good way to avoid this is to check out the Google or Yelp reviews of the establishment. If you end up going and feel uncomfortable, leave.
- Have a designated driver – driving impaired is illegal and you could seriously hurt yourself, the people in your car, and bystanders. Sometimes bars will give the designated driver free sodas, so ask the bartender.
- Alert the staff if someone is bothering you – sometimes people you don’t know might get aggressive when drinking. If someone isn’t taking the hint to leave you alone, tell a member of the staff; it is safer than confronting them yourself. If they attempt to follow you if you leave, call 9-1-1.
- Don’t accept opened drinks from people – it’s nice of someone to buy you a drink, but whether they are an acquaintance or a stranger, don’t accept. Accept only if the drink is unopened or given to you directly by the bartender.
- Keep an eye on your drink – The use of inhibiting drugs isn’t just a stranger phenomenon; sometimes people you think are your friend can have agendas you don’t know about. Always watch your drink and if you start to not feel well or feel more inebriated than expected, immediately seek help from someone on the staff. Visit this website to learn more about date-rape drugs.
Overall, going out the bars is a safe thing and most people don’t become a victim of a crime. But, no matter where you are going or what you are doing, you should have your safety and the safety of your friends in mind. Remember and share these tips for the next time you go out, and if you have any tips you think we should share please contact us!
Abby Orscheln – Safety and Security Intern
