Halloween is right around the corner. As you celebrate the end of the spooky season, here are some safety tips to consider:

If sensitive to smoke, stay away from venues where people are smoking or vaping

While the University of Tennessee is a smoke-free campus, not all Halloween festivities take place on campus. When you venture off campus, you risk entering environments where people may be smoking or vaping. For those sensitive to smoke, especially asthmatics, it is recommended to keep your distance from any events where people are smoking or vaping. If you end up going to a function like this, at least bring an inhaler with you — if you have one — and be prepared to make an exit if necessary.

Consume alcohol responsibly

If you are of legal drinking age and choose to do so, make sure to drink responsibly this Halloween. Halloween parties are hotspots for alcohol, and it can be easy to get carried away. If you are planning to drink, have a backup plan handy, whether that is bringing a friend with you or having a designated driver. Do not drive drunk. Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of traffic-related deaths in the United States. There were 13,384 people killed due to drunk drivers in the U.S. in 2021 alone, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

If you plan to drink anything at a party or in a public space, especially a bar, do not let your drink out of your sight. If you must leave, ensure that a trusted friend is there to watch your drink until you return.

If using drugs, do so responsibly

If you or a friend is doing drugs, keep an eye out for signs of drug overdose. This can include racing hearts, high body temperature, sickness and vomiting, chest pain, seizures, or feelings of panic or anxiety. Be very careful if mixing drugs with alcohol.

UT’s amnesty policy ensures that anyone who reports an overdose can avoid punishment because saving a life is more important. 

Don’t go out alone after dark

Crime tends to increase after dark, especially after midnight. If you plan to stay out late, make sure to bring a friend or two with you. It is always better to go out in a group after dark. 

Have self-defense mechanisms with you

People tend to get crazy on Halloween night. If you plan to go out in public and stay out late, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to carry something on you that can be used for self-defense. This can be pepper spray, a pocket knife, something heavy or even your own car keys. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Just make sure you use these items responsibly. 

Be wary of flashing lights

Large events and Halloween parties tend to feature a lot of flashing strobe lights. If you are sensitive to flashing lights, especially if you are epileptic, it would be wise to stay away from functions that utilize flashing lights. You do not want to end your Halloween night with a seizure.

Watch for moving vehicles

Though you may not be going trick-or-treating, if you are traveling across roads on foot, make sure to watch for moving vehicles, especially after dark. Look both ways before crossing the street to ensure there are no cars or bicycles coming your way. 

Be wary of food allergens

Most treats at Halloween parties and functions don’t come with a label listing all of the ingredients. It never hurts to ask anyone who may know what is in the food you are eating to avoid an allergic reaction.

Don’t take candy from strangers

As silly as this point may sound, it is a genuine concern. In the same vein as you wouldn’t leave your drink alone around a bunch of strangers, you should not take candy from strangers either. It is different if you are accompanying someone younger who may be trick-or-treating, as the candy handed out to trick-or-treaters is usually perfectly safe.

If someone offers you candy on the street, politely decline. You have no idea if it could be laced with anything. This could include alcohol, drugs or even poison. Sweet teeth ache particularly hard on Halloween, but it is better to be safe than sorry.

Keep these tips in mind while celebrating your spooky night so that you can focus on having fun. Don’t spoil your sweet Halloween night by being unprepared.