Halloween Safety 101

Fall is here and you know what that means, Halloween is on the horror-izon! Who doesn’t love Halloween? It’s a liberating holiday that allows you to pretend to be someone else for the day, shamelessly eat buckets of candy, and basically revel in childhood nostalgia. But let’s creep it real. (HA) Although the spirit of Halloween thrives on an ominous and grim aesthetic, it’s still important to remember to stay safe. So let’s get this party startled.

1. Keep your phone on you and charged

Okay so this one is pretty obvious. I don’t know many people that leave home without their phones. With that being said, don’t let your constant Snapchat or Instagram Live stories completely drain your battery. Make sure to charge up before heading out. If you know you’re going to be taking millions of pictures, consider carrying a portable charger as a backup.

2. Decorate Safely

Whether you are hosting a Halloween party or just want to be festive, remember to keep safety hazards in mind. Carving a Jack-o-Lantern may bring back fuzzy memories of your childhood, but it can also be quite dangerous. As an alternative, get crafty and utilize paint, stickers, and even markers to make all of your Halloween pumpkin dreams come true. If you aren’t into DIY, head over to your local craft store and pick up a pre-carved pumpkin. Avoid fire hazards by popping some glow sticks or an LED light in, instead of a candle, and you are good to go.

3. Carefree yet Cautious

Some might consider this to be a paradox, but it totally applies. It is okay to let loose and enjoy yourself, but always be aware of your surroundings. Be sure to keep an eye on your drinks and any suspicious activity that can be potentially dangerous. If you are in a crowded party, be sure to be conscious of nearby exits. Also, always abide by pedestrian safety rules and laws, such as not jaywalking or looking both ways before crossing the street.

4. #SquadGhouls

The buddy system pretty much applies in all stages of life and is essential to utilize during festive occasions that involve alcohol. Halloween can bring out the most sinister of creatures so make sure to go in groups and stay together. That means do not wander off to the bathroom alone and make sure to stay around large crowds. It is also important to make sure your friend group includes reliable people that you can trust.

5. Don’t Drink and Drive

The United States Department of Transportation came through with some scary statistics. According to the Traffic Safety Division, between the years of 2012-2016, there were "168 drunk driving fatalities on Halloween night". Help fight those statistics by drinking responsibly and planning ahead for transportation. Remember, your “buzzed buddy” does not count as a viable designated driver, so if you if your destination requires a car hit up Uber or Lyft.

Keep these safety tips in mind when celebrating this year. A night to remember can quickly turn into a nightmare. So be safe out there this Halloween and eat, drink, and be scary! (Last pun I promise).