Prom Safety

For Mom and Dad:

The Night:

Get a complete itinerary for the evening.

Know who is doing the driving.

If your child is renting a limo, make sure you're comfortable with the limo company's background check policy. DON'T BE AFRAID to insist that the company provide it.

Make sure you can contact your child throughout the night.

Make sure YOU can be contacted throughout the night.

Consider designated check-in times.

Make it a rule: No changes in the schedules unless your child calls you first.

Find out who is supervising after-prom parties.

Check with parents who are supervising after-prom parties. Some may allow underage drinking. That is illegal in all circumstances in Florida.

If you're throwing the after-prom party, take stock of all the alcohol in your home.

Don't have vague conversations about the tough subjects: drinking, drugs, sex. Set expectations.

Provide your child with the number of a cab company you trust in case of an emergency. Make sure he/she has enough cash to cover it.

For the Prom-goers

The Date:

Let your parents know who you're going with and where you'll be.

If you're going on a blind date, meet before the big night to get a feel for the person.

Make sure your date is aware of your curfew.

Carry your cell phone. Like that wouldn't happen anyway.

Have enough cash to call a cab if anything gets uncomfortable. Pre-program a couple of cab company numbers into your phone.

The Road the Dance:

Make sure you have/know directions to all the places you'll be going.

Yes, your date's hot. But keep your eyes on the road.

Limit the number of passengers. Don't overcrowd the car or limo.

Buckle up. Yes, it's obvious but if we didn't include it some parent would jump our case.

Gas up. No one runs out of gas anymore. It's lame.

Alcohol & Drugs:

Think about what you'll do if you're offered illegal drugs or alcohol. How will you get out of it?

Keep an eye on your date. Make sure he/she isn't impaired.

Careful on the roads. Drunk driving increases on the weekend days whether or not there's a dance.

Sex:

We can't win with this one. Don't do it. And if you haven't had "The Talk" with your parents, now would probably be a pretty good time to do so.