If you are planning a friends’, ladies’, or moms’ night out in the future, here are some key safety tips to ensure that you have the best and safest night out possible.

1. Don’t Split Up

To ensure your safety, keep your friends close, and your lady friends even closer. Whether on the dancefloor or the subway, using the buddy system can be a great way to ensure everyone’s safety. Walk your friends to their car and ensure that they get inside their homes safely. Keep in mind that there’s always safety in numbers.

If you plan to drink, ensure that there’s at least one person who will be the designated driver and will make sure that everybody gets home safely. The idea of “babysitting” your friends might not seem like much fun, but having a sober member of the group can help deter other people from trying to take advantage of anybody in the group.

2. Be Aware of Your Surroundings

If there’s someone who is creeping you out or you are not feeling comfortable where you are at, let a friend know and move to a different location. The key things to remember are to be aware of your surroundings and to trust your instincts. Safety is more important than courtesy, so trust your gut and avoid giving out your personal details.

3. Guard the Drinks

You can easily forget all about your unattended drinks at the bar or table when you are out dancing and having a good time. Unfortunately, it can be a great opportunity for somebody to slip a drug into your drink, which can increase your chances of being sexually assaulted.

Make it a habit to take your drinks with you or buy a new one each time. Never accept drinks from strangers especially if they are premade. If somebody would like to buy you a drink, go to the bar and watch the bartender actually pour it for you.

4. Identify the Signs of Drugging

Drugs, usually referred to as “date rape drugs”, can lead to reduced inhibition and sedation when placed in a person’s drink. Things like GHB, Rohypnol (roofies), and Quaaludes can be easily slipped into your drink without you even detecting or suspecting.

In some instances, there could be some indicators that your drink has been spiked, such as a cloudy appearance, excessive bubbles, or a color change, but most often you won’t see, taste, or smell a difference in your drink, rather you will only feel the difference.

If you or a friend suspect that you have been drugged, head to the hospital. If you are out on a date or alone, call somebody that you trust and get to the hospital. Fortunately, most of the drugs leave the body within 48 to 72 hours, which is why early testing is important to clarify what happened.

5. Drink Responsibly

It might sound obvious, but you should always pace yourself when you are out drinking with friends. Ensure that you have eaten something beforehand and stay properly hydrated with water throughout the night. Such measures can help you avoid a hangover the next day.

6. Watch Your Social Media Posts

Avoid posting on social media where you are going or are currently at. Wait until you have left to post the videos or photos. Posting where you are at is like an open invitation for others to come and find you.