We all have always been told to be careful at parties, but when you are actually finally put in the situation, it can be difficult to make smart decisions in the moment. Here are some tips for staying safe ahead of time and making smart decisions at parties:
1. Pair up! Make sure that when you head out, everyone has someone to look out for, and has someone looking out for them. Whether it’s your roommate or just a friend, you discuss that you both will watch out for each other and stay together, and make sure that you leave with each other to ensure you are back home safe. It is even smart to have someone to text (a friend at another school, S.O., a sibling) so that they know you are out and that they can text you to make sure you are safe, in case you get separated from your group or friend.
2. Understand your limits! You should understand your surroundings well, be able to trust the people you are with, and know what you can handle before you take risks. Understand your limit to ensure you are safe. There’s a point where everything is fun until you push yourself too far and then it becomes disastrous.
3. Charge your phone! This is simple, but make sure that you have a fully charged phone before heading out, and put it on low power mode to make sure it doesn’t die. Don’t rely on someone else to have a charged phone because you need to guarantee you can call for help if needed.
4. Be careful of what you consume! You should never accept drinks from anyone you don’t know well, and even then, be weary of who you trust. Further, never leave a drink unattended. Use closed containers and never place it down or let someone you don’t know hold it. If you are at a bar or have an open cup, I highly recommend buying the NightCap Scrunchie. It is a scrunchie that has a hidden drink cover inside. You simply pull out the drink cover from inside of the scrunchie and put it on top of the cup. It has a hole for a straw as well.
5. Remember the Good Samaritan Policy! If you see someone that does not seem ok, whether it be yourself, a friend, or a random person, remember that it’s better safe than sorry. Holy Cross has the Good Samaritan Policy, meaning that if you feel someone needs medical attention or for Public Safety to get involved, if you call, you will not be persecuted if there were substances involved. Your safety is the #1 priority, so never fear that you will get in trouble for calling for help when necessary. Also, remember to try to call Holy Cross Public Safety rather than the regular police, as they are quicker and more efficient with campus or near campus situations. The Public Safety number is (508) 793-2222.