Safety First
by ^sparrow
© ^sparrow, 1996, 1997, 1998. All rights reserved. Published with permission of the
author.
You met a Dom/me online and now you are going to meet in r/l. Congratulations! Before you do, though, please take some precautions for your own safety. Any Master or Mistress who says such precautions are not necessary is one to stay away from.
Do not plan on any play or scening at the first meeting. Arrange to meet someplace public and neutral.
Never play without a safe word. If the Dom/me doesn't ask, tell them. A safe word is one which, when you say it, means all play stops immediately. No questions asked. Make it one you will not forget.
In addition to safe words, there are control words. The usual ones are "green", "yellow" and "red".
- Green means you are still able to bear the intensity of play and can continue.
- Yellow means you are nearing the limits of what you can tolerate and the Dom/me should slow down.
- Red means you have reached your limit and the Dom/me should proceed to back down to an acceptable level.
Never allow yourself to be put in a position where you are unable to communicate your safe word or control words to the Dom/me. This means working out hand signals if you are gagged, for example.
Arrange for a safe call or two...even for the second and third meeting.
This means arranging for a someone to call you or for you to call someone at a prearranged time. There should be a key phrase or two that only the two of you know. One phrase should mean you are alright and the other should mean you are in trouble and need help.
Make sure friends and/or family know where you are. You want someone to be able to find you if you are hurt.
Know the Dom/me. Not only should this be someone you have talked to and gotten to know, but make sure that you know their home address and phone number. Again...this is for your own protection.
Leave yourself an "out". This means making sure that you have the means to leave if and when you feel it is necessary.
Restrict or refrain from alcohol and drugs. A drunk Dom/me is an irresponsible one. A drunk sub cannot properly determine their own condition. Drinking and drugs and driving and scening don't mix.
Any Dom/me who says precautions are not necessary is to be avoided at all costs. This is so important that it bears repeating.
If there is the slightest, most minute doubt in your mind, if the tiniest voice is signaling an alarm, LISTEN TO IT!
Note: Many of these precautions, especially safe words and control words, are wise when playing online as well.
Copyright ©
^sparrow,
1996, 1997, 1998. All rights
reserved. No publication without prior permission from the author.