Halloween is here! Here are tips on how to stay safe during this fun and spooky holiday. Photo by David Menidrey on Unsplash. Thumbnail photo by Beth Teutschmann on Unsplash.
Halloween is finally here. It’s time to dress up, have fun and hang out with friends.
Though the holiday is meant to be a carefree celebration, it’s your responsibility to make sure you and your friends are celebrating safely and responsibly. No matter whether you’re going out or staying in, you can use these tips to make Halloween a little safer for everyone.
Staying in
If you’re at home handing out candy to trick-or-treaters tonight, make sure your home is safe for any ghouls and goblins that might come calling.
Clear walkways, stoops and porches of any obstructions and keep porch lights on.
Keep your pets away from the front door. They might just be friendly, but they could spook some of the little kids who come to trick or treat. Plus, your pets won’t try to run out the door if they’re in a different room, and it’s easier to hand out candy without also having to wrangle your dog away from trick-or-treaters.
Driving
If you’re driving Halloween night, be extra cautious while on the road.
In the early evening when it first starts to get dark, trick-or-treaters will be out. This means there’s going to be a lot of kids wandering around neighborhoods you might be driving through.
Go slow on residential streets and be aware of pedestrians trying to cross the road. Kids might try to dart out into the road, so be careful if you see trick-or-treaters. Take corners slowly and enter and exit driveways with caution, as children might be trying to use the sidewalks that intersect these areas.
Party host
Perhaps you’re the party host this Halloween. It’s your responsibility to make sure guests have fun while staying safe.
You don’t need to serve alcohol to have a good time, but if you do, make sure guests drink responsibly. Provide nonalcoholic beverages so guests can alternate drinks and put out food so guests aren’t drinking on an empty stomach.
Look out for your friends throughout the night and make sure your phone is fully charged while out at a party. Photo by Javier Molina on Unsplash
Party guest
When it’s time to go out, go with a group of friends. At the end of the night, leave with the same group. Keep each other safe and be aware of where your friends are and what they’re doing throughout the night.
Make sure that before you go out, your phone is fully charged. If you get separated from friends or need help getting home, you’ll want to be able to contact someone.
If you ever feel uncomfortable, you can always leave a party. Don’t worry about what other people might say or think; worry about your own safety and security. Grab your friends and head out. Never walk alone at night.
Alcohol
If your celebration involves alcohol, drink responsibly.
Pace yourself. Alternate alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic drinks, eat before drinking and avoid pre-gaming and drinking games. All these methods slow the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream and allow you to drink without getting drunk.
Additionally, always pour your own drinks so you know exactly what you’re drinking. Don’t put your drink down or leave it unattended.
When it’s time to go home, use a designated driver or a safe rides service. This goes without saying, but never drive drunk and don’t let your friends drive drunk.
Use these tips and have a safe and happy Halloween!
Stephanie Santillo is a senior staff writer for The Daily Campus. She can be reached via email at stephanie.santillo@uconn.edu.
