Tips for a SAFE Halloween

By Lorraina Hernandez, Biological Sciences, Peer Educator at CADEC

Halloween is coming up, and Chico is filled with the smell of fall leaves, candy and pumpkins. Now that students are running around from store to store looking for the best costumes and treats, we at the Campus Alcohol and Drug Education Center (CADEC) would like to give you some tips on how to be safe while you are having fun!

When Alcohol Is Involved

• If you are under 21 and you chose to drink, first recognize that you are breaking the law. There is no legal blood alcohol content for a person under 21 and it is illegal for minors to possess alcohol.
• Don’t over party. You can have a good time without drinking so much that it alters your personality, perception, or judgment!
• NEVER leave your drink. Don’t leave your drink alone or with someone you don’t know, and if you do, get a new drink.
• Don’t offer rides to people you don’t know. You don’t want to be liable for someone you’ve never met.
• Always have a designated driver. Take turns being the “DD” and never ride with drunk or drugged drivers. It is better to pay $10 for a cab than almost $2,000 for a DUI. Chico also has plenty of pedi-cabs.

Use the Buddy System

• Have a safety buddy. Have someone you can call for a ride or for help, and create a code word or phrase that means “Come help me out of this” or “I’m in trouble.”
• Let someone know your plans. Be sure when you go out to tell someone you trust the name of your date, destination, and planned time of return.
• Stay close to your friends. The buddy system can only work if friends keep a watchful eye out for each other.

Trust Your Instincts!

• If a party gets out of hand, leave! It is better to leave early than to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
• Pay attention to your surroundings.
• Always have a backup plan. Take your cell phone and money for a cab, just in case.
• Program the word ICE (In Case of Emergency) and the number of your parent/guardian into your phone. The authorities know to look for this code in case an emergency occurs and they need to get in touch with a relative.