Girls! Party Safe in College!

Everyday there are reports on the news about college girls that are harmed or allow themselves to end up in compromising situations. To avoid having pictures on Facebook or Myspace that are embarrassing to having a much more serious situation take place, whether drinking or not, there are several things that college girls can do to stay safe while still having a good time.

1) Always Have the Essentials

Cell phone, Money, and Keys. At all times having the previously stated items and anything else that might become useful in social situation that one wants to escape from are a must. Having a phone to call for a ride or to call for help is the most important item. Money to call a cab, to leave a party or other event if the designated driver doesn't want to leave or if a girl wants to get out of any situation. Keys when arriving at one's house/dorm or car being able to get in would be extremely nice.

2) Designated Driver

Only drink if one of the girls is going to be the designated driver. The designated driver has two jobs, get everyone home safely and be the sober friend to keep everyone from doing things that they are going to regret or that might cause them harm. Also having an designated driver makes it so that if intoxicated a girl doesn't have to stay at the party or someone else's house.

3) Phone Numbers

Be sure to put the number for Safe Ride, taxi services, pizza places and the numbers for any other place that might be needed to get home, be safe or just make the night more enjoyable.

4) Support System

Do not drink without a support system, that being either the girls or close male friends. By having other people along for the night, the more fun that can be had and the less likely that things will go wrong. Also by going out with friends some of the other ways to stay safe and have fun will work.

5) Code Word

A predetermined word that if one of the girls says to a trusted person, then that person finds an excuse to leave. This works well for when someone feels uncomfortable somewhere and wants to leave without causing drama or drawing attention.

6) Escape Text

The "escape text" is the easiest way to have an excuse to leave any location or get out of any situation when alone. Having a word or speed text that if sent to a friend lets them know to call immediately. When the friend calls it will give a good reason to leave or an excuse that cannot be delayed.

7) Birth Control

If sexually active or that there is a chance that at some point sex could be part of a night out, using safe sex practices are crucial. Being on birth control is not something to be ashamed of and can be prescribed at student health or by a family physician. A pregnancy scare is a scary and undesirable experience that can easily be avoided. Also using a condom is not an option, be safe and do not take any additional and unnecessary risks.

8) Know Your Limits

People should not drink more alcohol then they can handle. Vomiting, passing out and blacking out can be avoided by not drinking to much, drinking at a reasonable rate, eating before drinking, drinking water and setting limits before going out.

BE SAFE & CAREFUL