Halloween is the spookiest time of the year, and with the right mindset, it can be a fun and a safe way to express yourself.
trick or treat!
Trick-or-Treating isn’t just for kids, it can be fun for teenagers and adults as well! Follow these safety tips to maximize your candy profits and keep the night fun for everyone. Trick-or-Treating is safest when it is done in well-lit neighborhoods and only at houses that are participating in the fun. This is usually signified by a porch light left on, a bowl of candy outside, or a sign saying that trick-or-treaters are welcome. Not everyone wants to be bothered on Halloween night however, so it’s best not to knock at dark houses. This activity should be done in a group or with a buddy, especially at night, to make sure everyone is safe. In larger groups, doing a headcount every so often is a great way to make sure everyone is accounted for. Some important items to include in your Halloween adventures are flashlights, a charged cellphone, some bottles of water, and a small first aid kit. It may sound excessive, but the last thing you want to do is skin your knee and ruin your night.
party safely
Halloween parties can be loads of fun. Costume parties are an excellent way to show off your hard work on your Halloween costume and make friends. However, parties where drugs and alcohol are served can be dangerous, especially for college-aged women. Being safe at a party isn’t always easy, and there will always be some kind of risk involved with drugs and alcohol. However, this risk can be minimized with the right mindset. Always go with a group, or at least a buddy. Arrive and leave with your group/buddy, and it’s IMPERATIVE to assign a designated driver or secure reliable transportation if you will be drinking.
drink responsibly
Drunk driving accidents kill, and it is so easy to take a taxi or just not drink. Keep your drinks covered and never drink anything that has been left unattended. The number of women who have been “roofied” or “date-raped” has skyrocketed in recent years, so it’s not a bad idea to invest in a drink cover, bring your own alcohol, or better yet, just don’t drink. Date-rape drugs can be almost impossible to detect once they have been added to alcohol and even non-alcoholic beverages, so never let your drink leave your sight. Don’t go into rooms alone with strangers, and have fun. If your buddy gets uncomfortable, don’t abandon them or make them leave alone. Have a conversation with them before going to the party and discuss “escape” plans. It may save your life.
be respectful
Be mindful of the costume that you choose. DO NOT wear any costumes that are offensive to other religions, cultures, races, or demographics. Everyone deserves to have fun on Halloween, and it’s very easy to find a costume that is inoffensive and won’t make others feel unsafe. It costs zero dollars to be kind. In this tense political climate, careful consideration should be taken when choosing to wear a political costume. Tensions are high, and it may lead to arguments. If that’s something that you wish to avoid, it’s safe to stay away from political costumes.
have fun
The most important piece of advice is to just have fun. Everyone enjoys themselves differently, so don’t feel bad if your idea of a great Halloween is curling up in bed and watching a scary movie. Be safe, and enjoy yourself.
hcxo