Happy Halloween! This time of year, everyone is dressing up and going out with friends. This year, Halloween is on a Saturday, leaving our schedules open for as much fun as possible. Halloween will not fall on a Saturday again until 2037. Whether you are spending this unique Saturday Halloween on a college campus, out in the community going trick or treating, or at a local bar in your town, here are a few reminders on how to stay safe.
Keep your phone charged:
Having a charged phone is the most important precaution to remember. If your phone is dead, you will have no way to contact your friends or your designated driver. Make sure you are charging your phone before leaving your home. If possible, you should also bring a portable charger with you.
Cover your drinks:
Covering your drink ensures that your drink will not be spiked or roofied by someone else at a party or bar. You should always cover your drinks, no matter where you go. Also remember to never accept an opened or unopened drink from anybody, even if they are your friend.
Angel Shots:
An angel shot is a term used to keep women safe at bars or other public places. If you find yourself in a situation where you feel unsafe, you can ask a bartender, security guard, or staff member for an angel shot in a few different ways. Asking for it neat or straight up is code for being escorted to your car. An angel shot on the rocks means that security needs to call an uber, lift, or taxi for you. Lastly, asking for an angel shot with a twist of lime or lemon means that you are in immediate danger and need help from local law enforcement. Likely, the only people that know these meanings are the bartenders, security, or other staff members.
Don’t wear all black:
If you wear all black, drivers may not be able to see you, whether you are walking down the street or if they are coming to pick you up. Try to wear bright or light colored clothing so drivers are able to easily spot you. If you are walking somewhere this Halloween, also remember to only walk on well-lit sidewalks. This will allow drivers to see you, but also ensure that your friends can see you and know you are safe. Walking in a well-lit area also allows you to see your surroundings and stay vigilant of who is around you.
Travel in groups:
Never go out alone. Always remember to travel in a group of 3 or more people, preferably including both males and females. This is an important rule to abide by because you never know if you are being followed. There is strength in numbers!
Have a designated driver:
Every year, there are tons of drunk driving car accidents. These accidents are only heightened by big holidays like Halloween. Having a designated driver keeps you and other drivers safe. If you drive after drinking at all, you will risk both your life and the lives of other drivers on the road. Please remember to have a friend you can trust to both drive you home and get you inside safely.
Lock you doors:
At the end of the night, it’s important to lock your doors, so no one is able to follow you inside. You can never be too careful when it comes to an extra level of security. If you still feel unsafe with your doors locked, call 911, and they will do a welfare check.
Consent matters:
Just because it’s Halloween and you are dressed up does not mean that someone is allowed to touch you without permission. Consent is something that needs to be said verbally. Consent cannot be given when someone is unconscious or too impaired to make sound decisions. Never accept a drink or go home with someone you don’t know. It is never your fault when someone else crosses your boundaries.
I hope that all of these reminders allow for you to have a fun and safe Halloween. Remember if anything does happen, write down what you remember, call 911, or call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673. Know that you are never alone, and there are people who care about you.