How To Stay Safe This Halloween
Halloween is an exciting time for a university student. You have an excuse to change your identity, express yourself creatively, or simply encapsulate your interests in a costume for a night or two. Although Halloween is an opportunity to de-stress and have fun with others, it can also be dangerous when approached ignorantly. Here are some helpful reminders to prepare you for your Halloween plans:
Get a Designated Driver or Call an Uber:
If you are attending a party at another individual’s house ensure that you have a designated driver. However, if you cannot find someone you trust, call an Uber. Driving intoxicated is an incredibly dangerous idea. Although you may feel capable of driving, alcohol reduces your ability to stay alert and react quickly, and it can affect your vision. Therefore, you cannot be completely present, which can result in irreversible consequences.
Stay With a Group of People That you Trust:
If you are attending a party, always stay with a group of people that you trust. The accumulated adrenaline of the moment may convince you not to be cautious. However, if you are consuming substances, it is important to have support and an element of protection. You may not be completely aware of your surroundings or able to consciously make the right decision. Therefore, having a group of friends reduces the chance of being manipulated or susceptible to danger.
Balance Yourself by Drinking Water and Eating :
An adequate amount of food can absorb alcohol and slow down its effects. Eat a sufficient meal before attending a party. This can increase the probability of maintaining a clear and responsive mind throughout the night.
Make Sure Your Phone is Fully Charged:
Charging your phone may be a small act; however, it can solve a plethora of problems. When preparing for a night out, it is common to forget to ensure your phone is fully charged. Therefore, set a reminder the night prior to remind yourself of this quintessential step in your preparation. Moreover, to be extra cautious, consider bringing your charger in your bag. Ultimately, the resources that your phone provides can alter a situation for the better.
Carry Emergency Money:
Money is another gateway to escaping a difficult situation. It is important to ensure you bring a bag with items that can contribute to your safety. I would recommend a satisfactory amount to purchase water, food, and a drive home.
Have a Backup Person to Call if you Feel Unsafe:
Having someone to resort to in emergencies is always a good idea. Therefore, ensure that you inform your safety person of your location and advise them to stay close to their phone throughout the night. Even if you do not end up using them, they can be a safety net if you feel uncomfortable.
Know When to say no:
It can be difficult to say no in an ecstatic environment when you are surrounded by people who are simultaneously fervent. However, do not surrender to peer pressure. It is vital to reflect on your boundaries before the party and during it. Moreover, it is helpful to imagine the consequences of your actions. Ultimately, remain in harmony with your intuition and be mindful.
Be Aware that Mixing Alcohol and Drugs can Cause an Overdose:
It is crucial to be cognizant of the substances you are consuming. There are life-threatening consequences to mixing drugs and alcohol due to their stimulating effects on each other. For example, tobacco, marijuana, and cocaine are dangerous reactants.
In conclusion, being safe is equally as significant as having fun, and the two can be experienced interchangeably. Make sure to establish an effective plan and bring everything that is essential to your comfort and security!