Party Safety

Plan ahead and make smart decisions to keep you, and your friends, safe.

• You do not need to use drugs or alcohol to have fun
• Do not mix alcohol and drugs
• Do not drive drunk or high or get into a car with a driver who has been drinking or taking drugs
• Bring condoms with you if there is a chance you might end up having sex (and if you have them, use them)
• If you use drugs or alcohol, your judgment will be impaired; don't take unnecessary risks such as crossing train tracks and be careful around pools and water
• Have a plan for how you're going to get home; bring money for a taxi, have a ride home planned with a parent or sober friend, and have a backup plan in case your first plan falls through
• Always look out for your friends; if alcohol or drugs are being used, have a designated friend who will stay sober and make sure everyone stays safe
• Don't leave with someone you don't know or don't trust

If you are going to drink alcohol:

• Eat before you go out and throughout the night; food helps slow the absorption of alcohol
• Drink in moderation
• Keep an eye on your drink at all times, do not accept drinks from people you don't know or trust and don't let anyone top up your drink; it only takes a second for someone to slip something into your drink
• Never drink and drive and do not get in the car with a driver who has been drinking
• Plan your night; set a drink limit and stick to it
• Pace yourself; drinking too fast can lead to getting much drunker than intended
• Be careful with drinking games; while they may be fun you can often drink too much too fast

If you are going to use drugs:

• Understand that there are risks associated with doing drugs, and that it is impossible to know for certain what illegal drug you are using, no matter where or who you get it from.
• Drugs are often mixed or laced with other drugs, harmful chemicals and household cleaners.
• Tell a friend what you think you are using; if anything goes wrong and you need medical assistance, this information can save your life
• Never accept drugs from people you do not know
• Never take something if you don't know what it is
• Never drive if you have consumed drugs and do not get in the car with a driver who has
• Only use prescription medications that are prescribed for you, and only take them as prescribed. When used incorrectly, they can be very dangerous and even deadly
• Never share needles.

Having a party at home can help keep you safe, but things can quickly get out of hand. People may get too intoxicated and become aggressive or unruly. Unwanted guests may try to crash the party or damage belongings and your home.

• Be careful who you invite and only allow invited guests into your house.
• Ask your guests not to tell others about the party or share information about it on social media or by text
• Facebook is great for planning events and inviting guests, but make sure the event group is closed so other people don't find out about the party
• State whether or not alcohol will be allowed; if it isn't, do not let intoxicated people in or allow people in with alcohol
• Secure all of your valuables; it is easy for someone to steal your money, jewellery, small electronics, cell phones, wallets, etc.
• If alcohol is being served, you may want to stay sober to deal with any problems
• Have food and snacks available; people are more likely to get too drunk on an empty stomach (avoid salty snacks that may cause people to drink more)
• Be very careful if your home has a swimming pool
• Keep water and soft drinks available
• Ask unwanted guests to leave immediately; if they don't, tell them you will call police and follow through if they still won't leave
• If the party gets beyond your control, call police
• Arrange for transportation home for your guests; have designated drivers, numbers for cab companies, or have guests call their parents for rides home
• Don't let anyone drive home if they've been drinking; you could save your friend's life and the lives of innocent people on the road

 If someone invites you to a party at their home:

• Do not advertise the party to others
• Arrange for safe transportation to and from the party; bring money for a cab home or have your parents pick you up
• Make sure your parents or a trusted person knows where you are
• Speak up if you see unsafe behaviour or let the host know