Halloween can be an exciting holiday, especially in college. Dressing up, eating candy and going out with friends is common, and there are lots of opportunities for fun around campus and Bloomington.
However, it’s still important to know how to stay safe. While Halloween night offers exciting activities, keep in mind that large crowds and staying out late can be risky. If you’re looking to celebrate the holiday this year, here are some tips to have a boo-tifully safe Halloween.
1. If you’re drinking, stay alert and aware
With Halloween comes parties, and college parties often involve drinking. According to a 2017 study conducted by Statista people consume on average 3.5 drinks on Halloween. If you choose to drink, practice common safety measures — don’t leave your drink unattended and don’t take drinks from someone you don’t know.
“The big punch bowls and vats of whatever is not always the best idea,” IU Police Department Chief Jill Lees said. “It’s just better to have 2-liters of pop or things in sealed containers.”
Related: [New on campus? Here’s how to stay safe at IU]
IU junior Kaleb Donnahue said he always keeps his hand over his drink when he attends any kind of party.
“People slip things into drinks more than you’d expect, so just keep your stuff safe,” he said. “Know your surroundings.”
2. Always know what you’re eating
Just as it’s important to practice safe drinking, it’s also important to know where the food you consume comes from. Candy and treats are a major part of Halloween, but they can also be risky as incidents of drug-laced candy and drugs disguised as candy have been reported across the U.S. in recent years. Only take food from people you trust and check candy wrappers and food serving areas for any signs of suspicious substances or objects.
“It goes back to common sense — don’t take candy from strangers,” IUPD Deputy Chief Shannon Bunger said.
People should also practice caution around homemade treats, Lees said. She recommended only going for candy in packages or candy purchased from a store.
“Not to say that homemade goodies would be bad or laced or whatever, but there’s always that kind of common practice,” Lees said. “It does leave it open for items to be laced.”
Donnahue said students should make sure candy packages are legitimate before taking them.
“If they’re in a clear bag that looks like it’s been rewrapped, don’t do it,” Donnahue said. “If it looks like it’s been tampered with or opened already, I don’t think I would get into something like that.”
3. Utilize ride services instead of drinking and driving
If you’re drinking, don’t drive. Walk, have a sober person drive you or take a ride service like IU Ride, Uber or Lyft. .
IU Ride is an IU-sponsored organization that provides free, safe rides to IU students. Staffed by IU students, IU Ride operates within Bloomington limits and is available 8 p.m. to1:45 a.m., seven days a week. Students can request a ride using the TransLoc app — which tells students which vehicle number to look for to ensure they get in the right vehicle — or call 812-855-SAFE.
IU Ride vehicles are marked with “IU RIDE” on the window. IU Ride can be used to pick up one person, or two people heading to the same location.
Bunger said people should still practice caution when using ride-sharing services. He said riders should check the car’s license plate before getting in to make sure the car’s plate number matches the number of the car they’re expecting.
Related: [Campus safety tips for incoming students]
“Make sure you’re getting in the right Uber or whatever you called,” Bunger said. “If it’s a certain part of campus, there could be two, three, four Ubers waiting, and you want to make sure you get into the right one.”
Donnahue said drivers should be cautious during celebrations and holidays because there tends to be more drinking. Drivers should be aware people are going to be more intoxicated than usual, he said, and they should also watch out for people in dark costumes.
4. Stay with trusted friends
If possible, never go to parties or walk around alone at night.
On Halloween, many people are out at once, and parties can get packed. Talk with trustworthy friends before going out and keep an eye on each other throughout the night by checking in periodically. If you get separated, send a text or make a call immediately.
“If you go to a party with five people, come home with the same five people,” Bunger said. “Don’t leave anyone behind.”
5. Keep your cell phone charged
Keeping your phone charged before going out can be crucial when you need to call a friend or emergency services. It can also be useful to tell friends where you’re going ahead of time and to share your location with them, so others know where you are and can locate you quickly if they need to. A good rule of thumb is to always bring a spare charger with you just in case.
People should always have a trusted person to call if they need help, Donnahue said. It’s important to call someone nearby so help can arrive quickly.
“If you have any doubt, call the ambulance,” he said.
The RaveGuardian app is a free personal safety app for IU students and staff. RaveGuardian provides an inbox for IU Notify emergency alerts, quick access to 911 and campus police, a place to send anonymous tips to police, contact information for campus safety and wellness services and a timer that notifies family and friends if the user isn’t home when expected.
