Master Nick–Your personal safety has to be YOUR top priority, make sure someone you know and trust, who is available, is aware of your intentions and location when meeting someone new whether itis at a private or public setting. If your gut instinct is waving a red flag–listen to it and get out.
Lady Dee–Public play is the safest route for BDSM, please–please–please consider doing this prior to any in home or private party events when you are not familiar with a Dom/Top or sub/bottom. It is the safest environment for initial interactions where there are monitors and others around to hear your safeword.