Safety First!
Everyone has heard at least one horror story. Someone got burned, someone got electrocuted, someone got killed; those stories have been around forever.
For those who have common sense, this little safety lecture is just a review of what you already know. But for the rest of you, whether your ignorance comes from simply being new to the scene or because you just simply didn't think of it, I suggest that you bookmark this one for future reference.
This may well be fodder for future installments of specific activities, so be patient.
KNOW YOUR PARTNER'S LIMITS
I'm addressing this to both Dom/me and sub. EVERYONE has limits, and you should well know them.
USE YOUR BRAIN!
Yes, I know that this is all for fun, but using your head a bit will prevent problems later. "An ounce of prevention is worth an ounce of cure" is a very relevant statement here. Think about the scene before you play it, and take necessary measures to ensure safety for all participants.
HAVE THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT
Time and again, accidents happen because someone was using the wrong tool(s) for the job. Folks, I realize fishing line is supurbly strong, but do NOT suspend anyone with it. If you need to ask why, then it is probably best that you not bother with this lifestyle and instead head over to your local Bass Pro.
LISTEN
Tops, this one is mostly for You. Have both a verbal and non-verbal means of communicating a safeword. Many subs love to moan and cry and whimer and scream during play, but your safeword(s) should be completely unique or something everyone around you knows, such as RED.
In the event that your lovely is all tied up and gagged, make sure he or she can indicate non-verbally a safeword. For example, I have two ways of allowing a non-verbal red: If the boy has nothing in his hands, or if his hands are bound, he is to "tap out" by either slapping the furniture twice for yellow and thrice for red, or I have a cowbell which he is to drop for a red.
ALWAYS be able to hear your sub, even if it means not playing somewhere that's too loud due to conversation or music or both.
PAY ATTENTION
This is along the same lines as listening, however, this includes knowing your surroundings. Know where you are, where doors are, who is present and where they are. Pay attention to what you're doing as well as to what others are doing. You can control your actions; you can't control everyone else's.
DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME
This should be a no-brainer, but it bears repeating. Homestyle BDSM is great fun, but if you're trying something new, then do it with someone else around. This will help you to not only focus more on the activity but to learn from the other person if that person is experienced in what you're doing.
Having an extra, (or two), allows for you to not have to focus on many outside distractions, as the extra(s) will be watching for you. Don't ever discount a good extra.
EVERY top should have a good knowledge of basic first aid treatment. It's also a good idea to be certified in CPR. Accidents do happen, and if you're not able to deal with them, accidents can escalate swiftly into emergencies.
KEEP A PHONE NEARBY
Keep it in arm's reach while you play in case you need to call for help. If the submissive is to be left alone, (usually not a good idea in the first place), then he or she needs to be able to reach the phone if necessary.
KEEP A FIRST AID KIT HANDY
Make sure it's completely stocked and in the same room, (in arm's reach for extreme play sessions such as blades or needles). Make sure this kit also contains Pedialyte or Gatorade, Pedialyte preferred as the electrolytes absorb more quickly.