October is a month filled with non-stop celebration and all kinds of festivities, we know you’re exhausted just thinking about all the costume parties you’ll be attending this year..
Our team at HerCampus want you to let loose after midterms and have some fun! But we also want you to be smart and keep safe.
Here are some tips to keeping safe this Halloween:
1. Keep with a groupNever wander off alone or with a complete stranger, especially after a party. Always be aware of your surroundings and keep close to your friends. If you happen to separate from your group, then make sure that you contact them immediately and let them know your whereabouts.
2. Have your phone with you Before leaving any place, double-check to see that you have your phone on you. Make sure that it’s charged and has enough battery to last until you’ve reached your destination. If you are ever in a situation where you feel threatened or in case of an emergency, always call for help.
Here are some on-campus services provided by San Francisco State University:
University Police Department1600 Holloway Avenue San Francisco, CA. 94132Emergency: 91124 Hour Non-Emergency: (415) 338-7200
Campus Escorts / C.A.R.E Escort Services: 338-7200Night Time Shuttle: (415) 338-7200
3. Know your limitsBy all means, turn up and have fun! But keep tabs on how many drinks you’ve had and know your limits as to how much you handle. If you’ve reached the point to where you can’t see or walk straight, ask someone you know to take you home or crash with a friend.
4. Never accept open drinks from strangers If possible, make your own drink and if you’re handed one, make sure that it is closed. There’s always a risk of someone slipping something in your drink and you can never be too cautious.
5. Gather resources Know what resources are available to you and take precautions. Along with the on-campus services that are provided to students, there are other resources, such as mobile apps that you can download and utilize such as Kitestring and Bsafe.
• Kitestring: This a mobile web app that allows you to be virtually walked home. The app checks in on you when you’re out. You log on and tell the app how long you’ll be gone and set a time as to when you’ll return. The app will then send you a text to make sure you’re safe and if you don’t respond, your emergency contacts will be notified.
• Bsafe: This app is free to download and involves your friends and family in ensuring your safety. Bsafe transmits your location to your contacts and initiates a fake phone call, giving you an excuse to get out of a situation that you make feel threated in. In case of an emergency, your network will be alerted.
6. Make sure that you have a ride homeIf you’ve been drinking, DO NOT DRIVE. Instead, call for a ride. There are different transportation services that you can use such as uber or lyft , that will pick you up at any location and take you home. It may cost a little but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If a friend offers you a ride, awesome, accept it! Avoid accepting rides from complete strangers or anyone you just met.
Eat, drink and be scary everyone! Happy Halloween :)