St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner and people are gearing up for one of the most anticipated celebrations of the year. With all the restrictions that happened in the past few years because of the pandemic, people are expected to go out in droves, filling the streets and packing all the bars and pubs this year. It goes without saying that you should be doubly careful and take some extra precautions to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable Feast of St. Patrick celebration. Whether you’re planning on hitting the town with your girlfriends or partying at home, here are a few St. Patrick’s Day safety tips to keep in mind.
Don’t Party Alone
Stick with your friends. Having a buddy system in place is one of the most basic St. Patrick’s Day safety tips that everyone should know by now. In fact, it’s always a good idea to go out with at least one friend you can trust whenever you go out to drink.
It doesn’t matter what’s the reason why you want to enjoy a bottle or 12, you don’t want to do it alone. There’s safety in numbers, and it’s always better to have someone looking out for you than to be on your own. Make sure you know where your friends are at all times and that you’re sticking together. Plan ahead with your friends so you don’t have to scramble for a companion on the day itself.
Since it’s St. Patrick’s Day we’re talking about, expect plenty of people to be out and about. Sadly, not everyone is there to have some fun. There may be people in the crowd who are up to no good. Make sure you’re with friends so that you won’t be an easy target.
If you find yourself in a situation where you’re uncomfortable or feel like something is not right, having someone with you will make you feel safer. You have to do the same for your friends. You have to watch out for each other.
Get Ample Sleep the Night Before
If you’re planning to party on St. Patrick’s Day, you might want to get a good night’s sleep. Staying up all night or getting very little sleep will drain your energy fast leaving you with little to work with during the day of festivities. If possible, take a nap before going out.
Eat a Good Meal
You might be tempted to skip breakfast on St. Patrick’s Day since you’ll be drinking later in the day. However, it’s important to have a good meal in your stomach before consuming alcohol. Have some low-fat yogurt and avocado for starters then enjoy salmon, chicken, or other foods to eat before going out for a drink.
A hearty meal to start your day will help soak up some of the alcohol you’ll be drinking later and give you the energy to last throughout the day. Eat a healthy lunch or have some snacks if you’re heading out later in the day. Avoid drinking alcohol before you leave. Save the fun for later.
Wear Comfortable Clothes and Shoes
If you’re going to be doing a lot of walking, standing, or dancing, be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Nothing ruins a St. Patrick’s Day celebration quicker than having sore feet.
Likewise, if you plan on drinking alcohol, you might want to avoid wearing clothes that are too tight. You don’t want to be that person who gets so drunk they have to be cut out of their clothes. Wear something that looks nice on you but make sure you’re comfortable and can move freely.
If you’re watching a parade, you should bring a hat to protect your noggin from the sun. A pair of sunglasses is also necessary to keep your eyes protected. Don’t forget to bring your face masks, too. St. Patrick’s Day celebrations can get pretty crowded and you don’t want to be the one who gets sick from all the dust, smoke, and viruses in the air.
Pack An Emergency Kit
When you’re out celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, it’s important to be prepared for any emergency and that includes packing an emergency kit. You really don’t want to bring a huge bag or one that you have to hold on to all day. Skip the clutch bags and handbags and wear a sling bag or fanny pack instead.
With a smaller bag, your space is limited so you have to think twice about what you’re going to put in there. Pack some energy bars and a water bottle so you can replenish yourself whenever and wherever you are. If you have existing medical conditions, make sure you have your medicines or whatever you need. Though it would be wiser if you skip the festivities or at least go home early if you’re sick.
Pack a flashlight, emergency whistle, and a multi-tool with a built-in glass breaker and seatbelt cutter. Don’t forget your self-defense tools such as pepper spray, tactical pen, and personal alarm. Check with your local laws if it’s possible to bring a small pocket knife. Also, bring a mini first aid kit with items like bandages, Bandaids, pain relief medication, antiseptic wipes, and other items.
Make sure you have your phone and it’s fully charged. Bring a powerbank, too. And don’t forget your ID and a laminated copy of important contact numbers. If you have a medical condition, you should print a copy saying what your condition is along with instructions on what to do and who to call in case of an emergency. It should also have your blood type and other vital information. Again, if you’re sick, you’re better off skipping the parties. Otherwise, just party at home where your family and friends can look after you.
Bring Cash
It’s always a good idea to have some cash on you when you’re out celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. Not all establishments accept credit cards, so it’s best to be prepared. Aside from your drinks, you will need to pay for your water, snacks, and maybe some St. Paddy’s Day merchandise. You can take an Uber home but you should still have cash on hand just in case.
Keep your cash and cards in a safe place like an inside pocket, fanny pack, or purse that can be worn close to your body. Get yourself one of those RFID-blocking pouches to keep your cards extra safe.
Don’t Flaunt Your Valuables
When you’re out and about, don’t flash your diamonds and Rolexes. Chances are, there will be thieves looking to take advantage of St. Patty’s Day revelers. Leave all your valuables like jewelry, high-end watches, and Birkins at home. You look good without them anyway. Likewise, don’t wear expensive brands. Your phone and powerbank are the only expensive things that you should bring.
Arrange for A Safe Way to Get Home
Your best option to get home safe is to have someone you trust pick you up. Ask your husband, boyfriend, parents, or anyone close to you who won’t be doing any drinking to come and get you when you’re done partying. Keep their numbers on speed dial. Better yet, set a time for them to come and pick you up.
Another option is for your group to rent a chauffer-driven car. Check out local businesses that provide such a service. It’s a good thing if you know the business owner or driver personally.
If the two options above are unavailable, you can either have a designated driver in your group or just book a cab when you’re done for the night. Also, avoid getting into a stranger’s car. A number of horror and serial killer movies start with the lady hitching a ride with someone they don’t know.
Walking home is also not a good idea, especially if you’re alone and drunk. You might have heard the tragic stories under such circumstances. Last year in Northern Ireland, a man died after falling into the Folly River in Armagh while walking home from his 50th birthday party. Also last year, a 23-year-old man went missing after a night out in Chicago. His body was later found in the Chicago River. The cause of death was ruled “undetermined” but one possible explanation is that he fell and drowned because he was too intoxicated.
There are at least two things that could’ve prevented their untimely death. One, they drank a little too much and weren’t in the best condition to walk home. Two, they were alone. If they were with someone, that person could’ve prevented the victims from falling into the river. They could’ve also called for help.
If you don’t have a choice but to walk home, make sure that everyone in your group stays together. Head to the place of the friend that lives nearest where you’re coming from and stay there until the next day. Call your family or housemates so they know you’re spending the night at your friend’s house. They can also pick you up from your friend’s home.
Book A Room
One St. Patrick’s Day safety tip that ladies should consider is to book a room where you’ll be partying. Do some research to see if there are still available hotel rooms within the vicinity. You can book through Airbnb, too.
Once you arrive at the hotel, check out the emergency exits. Figure out how you can evacuate quickly in case of an emergency. Check your room if it’s secure. Look for hidden cameras and see if the door and windows lock properly. Bring a portable door lock, door wedge, or any similar product.
That way, you’ll have a place to rest your head if you’re feeling too tipsy or to freshen up before the next round of partying. When you’re done for the night, you’ll have a nearby place to stay before you head home the next day. Just make sure that no one is following you and that you lock up once you’re inside your room.
Plan Your Route
Another St. Patrick’s Day safety precaution that ladies should take is planning their route in advance. In case someone gets separated from the group and can’t contact you, they at least know where you possibly are based on your pre-planned route.
It’s also important to know where you’re going and how to get there. Make sure you have the address of the bar or restaurant saved on your phone. And if you’re walking, be aware of your surroundings and stick to well-lit areas. It’s also a good idea to know where the police stations, hospitals, and clinics are.
Wear Something Easy to Spot
It’s St. Patrick’s Day so you’re expected to wear green. It’s easy to get swept by a sea of green if you don’t stick together. If someone gets separated from the group, you could increase your chances of spotting each other by wearing something unique and easy to spot. Say, a huge red circle or stripe on a green leprechaun hat. Get creative.
Scope Out the Area
Whenever you enter a bar, look for the emergency exits and see if it’d be easy to escape when something goes wrong. Look for fire extinguishers, too. You want to be in a place that complies with fire safety standards. Check the crowd, as well. If they’re already too rowdy, you may want to look for another place.
Drink in Moderation
This one’s pretty obvious but somehow, lots of partygoers drink more than they can handle and wake up with a bad hangover. You’re actually pretty lucky if you just have a bad headache the next day. Some merrymakers end up sleeping on the curb or waking up in the hospital. Even worse, they could end up in jail or in some stranger’s basement hogtied and gagged.
St. Patrick’s Day is a day to drink so it’s perfectly fine if you want to enjoy some Guinness or Jameson Irish Whiskey. But that doesn’t mean you have to get drunk. If you’re starting to feel tipsy, stop drinking for a while until you recover. You could get a bite to eat or rehydrate with water.
You want to party longer since you’ve been stuck at home for quite some time now. So drink in moderation and enjoy St. Patrick’s Day longer and safer. Stick to one drink per hour. Also, ask your drinking buddies to keep you in check.
Stay Hydrated
St. Patrick’s Day falls during a time when the weather is getting warmer and days are getting longer. Because of this, it’s easy to become dehydrated without realizing it. It’s important to drink plenty of water, especially if you’re drinking alcohol. Alcohol will dehydrate you quickly, so make sure to drink water for every alcoholic drink you have.
Avoid energy drinks, coffee, and other stimulants. They can mask the effect of alcohol, which makes you feel that you’re not drunk so you end up drinking more.
Say No
You’re there to have fun not to be pressed by others to do something you don’t want to do. Don’t let others force you into drinking more when you’ve had enough. If you don’t want to play those drinking games then don’t. Just say no.
Watch Out for the Danger Signs
Women need to be doubly aware of who’s around them and what they’re doing. This is a particularly important St. Patrick’s Day safety tip since many guys will be out to pick up women. Sadly, not everyone plays fair. Instead of just charming the lady with cheesy pick-up lines, some dudes will resort to more nefarious means.
Watch out for red flags such as if a guy is too pushy, doesn’t take no for an answer, is excessively drunk, or gives you the creeps. These are all signs that he might not be the best person to be around. If you find yourself in a situation where you feel unsafe, don’t hesitate to call for help. You should think of a signal that you can give to your friends if you need them to save you from an awkward or potentially dangerous situation.
The more you drink, the less effective your senses are. So be especially careful when you’re out at the pubs and clubs. If you can, try to have a friend with you who can keep an eye on things and help you get home safely.
Keep An Eye On Your Drink
Speaking of drinks, keep an eye on your drink at all times. Unfortunately, there are men who’ll use any trick in the book to get into a lady’s pants, including dirty tricks like spiking your drink. Keep your drink close to you at all times.
If you have to go to the loo or somewhere else, ask your friends to watch your drink for you. If there’s little left, you can finish your drink before leaving and then order a new one when you return. And be quick when you have to leave. The longer you’re away, the more chances people can spike your drink.
There’s also this simple yet life-saving invention that lets you cover your drink. NightCap is one such product. It’s a “drink spiking prevention scrunchie.” Basically, it’s a scrunchie that you can wear on your hair or wrist with a pocket that hides the drink cover. Simply pull the cover out, wrap it over your drink, and pop in a straw.
Also, don’t let anyone walk behind you or come up to you from behind. Some of these losers hunt in packs. One person would distract you while another slips in the drug when you turn away. Always keep your hand on your drink so even if you instinctively turn around when someone gets your attention, you can still watch over your drink.
Losing track of your drink is one way to end up with a drugged one. Another is if you accept drinks from people you don’t know. Also, when you order a drink, you should be the one to get it from the bartender. Don’t let other people hand it to you.
Be Aware of your Surroundings
It’s not just the people with bad intentions that you should keep an eye on. There are other danger signs that you should watch out for as well. Lots of alcoholic drinks and a crowded bar is one stupid, egotistic person away from a riot. Once someone causes a scene, it can quickly spiral out of control. If things start to get too rowdy or dangerous, be sure to leave and find a safe place.
Keep your senses sharp. That’s kind of difficult since alcohol causes blurred vision, slurred speech, and poor hearing. Still, you want to be as aware as possible of your surroundings. Be wary of smoke. If you smell or see smoke, that usually means something’s on fire. A smoke machine gives off a chemical smell so it’s different from smoke resulting from fire.
Don’t Drink and Drive
This St. Patrick’s Day safety tip is a no-brainer, but it’s still worth mentioning. Ladies, don’t drink and drive under any circumstances! If you’re out celebrating and have had too much to drink, call a cab or ask a friend to give you a ride home.
If you don’t drink or at least not too much, you’ll have a better grasp of your surroundings. You’ll also be more levelheaded and your reflexes will work better than when you’re piss-drunk. However, you still should skip driving even if you’re just tipsy.
If you’re planning on bringing a car to the St. Patrick’s Day festivities, make sure you have a designated driver. Have your car checked beforehand to make sure it’s in tiptop condition. Also, check your tools and car emergency kit if they’re complete. That way, you can all enjoy yourselves without worrying about getting pulled over, your car braking down, or worse, ending up in the hospital.
Another St. Patrick’s Day safety tip: bring a duplicate car key. It’s easy to lose stuff with so many people crowding you. Keep a duplicate copy of your key in your pocket, just in case you misplace the original. You can also give it to one of your friends.
Be Wary of Drunk Drivers
Another thing to watch out for is drunk drivers. St. Patrick’s Day is one of the biggest drinking holidays of the year, so there will be plenty of drunk drivers on the road. Be extra careful when driving or walking on the streets. If you see a driver who appears to be drunk, avoid them at all costs.
St. Patrick’s Day is a great day to celebrate with friends and family. However, there are a few safety concerns that every lady should keep in mind. Hopefully, the St. Patrick’s Day safety tips for the ladies we’ve listed down here will come in handy. Check out Gentleman Pirate Club and discover more tips on how to stay safe wherever you are.
