Ways to stay safe for tonight's prom

The theme of Douglas High School's Junior/Senior Prom is "You Only Live Twice," but students are encouraged to be cautious in their present lives.

"Keep in mind there are no 'do-overs.' You're entering into adulthood and it's time to be responsible," said Sgt. Tom Mezzetta of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.

The prom is tonight from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course.

Mezzetta said some think as prom night as a rite of passage and that many young people feel it is an opportunity to do something for the first time.

"We're concerned with drinking and driving, but it isn't our only concern," he said. "The use of drugs, even for the first time, could have dangerous consequences.

"Be safe. Be smart. Just because you're leaving one stage of life and entering another, think of the future."

Other tips on how to stay safe on prom night that go beyond "Don't drink and drive:"

For parents:

-- Get involved in prom night

-- Set rules for post-prom activities

-- Know names and contact numbers of other prom-goers and their parents

-- Set a curfew

-- Be on call for a ride home or emergency

For students:

-- Make an agreement with parents not to drink and drive, and not to ride with anyone who is drinking

-- Resist high-risk activities of all types

-- Check in with parents

-- Always use a seat belt

-- Follow parents' rules