Street Smarts is a section detailing about the dangers of nightlife, how to keep yourself out of trouble, and some wise tips in getting around D.C. Here are some thoughts to make sure that everyone has a safe and fun time downtown. Click the images below.

• If you bring a coat, sweater, or some other large item that you do not feel like carrying all night, it is best to put it in coatcheck. It will usually cost you somewhere between $1-$3 and the attendant will give you a ticket which you can redeem for your item when you leave. If you don't put your coat in coatcheck, then you should either hold it, tie it around your waist, or place it on a chair right next to where you are dancing. I would not recommend placing a jacket, especially an expensive one on a rack of open hooks. *Before putting your item in coatcheck, it would be wise to remove the following items: any significant amount of money or money that you cannot get home without, your id, ATM card, and/or credit card, and your key(s). Coatcheck theft is rare, but, without these items, you cannot function, so, keep them with you at all times. If you must hang your coat on an open rack of hooks, this is absolute must. A single key or driver's liscense can fit into a back pocket, as can a few bills. Most men's pants also have side pockets. For ladies without pockets, a few bills can usually fit relatively comfortably and unnoticably into a bra or a boot. Give any bulkier items to a friend with pockets.
  
  
• Do not lose your coatcheck ticket. Some clubs will not let you look for your item until the club closes. If you're ready to go home at 2 and your club closes at 4, this could be a real problem.
  
  
• If you leave anything on a table, chair, ledge, etc. in a club, bar, or restaraunt and walk away, even for a few minutes, prepare to have it stolen.
  
  
• Do not put any valuables in your cigarette box as it is likely to be misplaced, forgotten, or stolen.
  
  
• Know that if you leave something behind in a club and particularly a small item in a large club, your chances of recovering it are virtually nonexistent.