By Emily Vsetula
Whether you are dressing up as a lifeguard from “Baywatch” and participating in a bar crawl or attending a small get together with a few friends, it’s important to take a few necessary precautions during Halloween in order to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
It’s no secret that crime rates increase around the holidays. With that in mind, it’s important to remember a few basic safety tips.
“I know this might sound obvious, but keep your phone charged,” said Alexandria Jones, a university police department communications specialist.
We can all remember a time when our only connection to the outside world was destroyed by a dead battery. Don’t let that be you.
Unfortunately, a dying cell phone is all too common a reality. If you do find yourself in that situation, remember Jones’s next crucial tip: “Stay together. Use the buddy system, always.”
People who are alone are particularly vulnerable and are more likely to be targeted for crimes.
Additionally, Jones advises that you be extra cautious of your environment and the people in it, as people who are in costumes tend to feel emboldened and more willing to commit a crime.
For those who drink on Halloween, UPD has some specific advice.
“Don’t leave your drink unattended. If you do, just get another one,” Jones said.
Perhaps the most important piece of advice Jones gave was that if you see something, say something. Being a bystander and remaining silent is also a crime, Jones said. If you are the only witness to a crime, you have an ethical responsibility to make sure police are called.
Jones said that there will be about three on-duty officers on campus Halloween night to ensure that everyone stays safe while having fun.
“There might be some Halloween pranks, but that’s what we’re here for,” Jones said.
Only you can guarantee your own safety this Halloween, so follow these guidelines to avoid being tricked while still getting all the treats.
