With October comes fall, pumpkins and changing leaves, and, as the air begins to cool and Halloween approaches, there is also potential for danger.
At the University of Idaho, students are encouraged to take extra safety precautions on Halloween as it relates to walking around campus at night and alcohol consumption.
Corporal Casey Green of the Moscow Police Department (MPD) said making smart choices, taking appropriate actions and watching out for one another are a few key elements to staying safe during the holiday.
Blake Coker | Argonaut
“We always advocate for reasonable and moderate alcohol consumption, you know, just trying to be safe about things and making good choices,” Green said. “Of course, we don’t condone any underage drinking or anything like that because it is still an infraction in the state of Idaho.”
In regard to watching out for one another, Green said it is important to assist someone when they need it or call for help if necessary.
“Medical amnesty still applies to Moscow and to the people that are participating in those types of events,” Green said. “Call for help if you need help.”
As for trick-or-treating and walking around campus, Green recommends acting in a safe and appropriate manner whenever possible.
“Don’t hide in bushes and jump out at people,” Green said. “Don’t commit other acts of vandalism or things like that so that you don’t draw attention to yourself and be respectful of other people’s property.”
With campus security making their rounds and police officers patrolling the streets, students have access to security and help if needed. In addition to this, Vandal Health Education provides workshops where peer health educators teach students about safe drinking and the dangers of alcohol poisoning.
Vandal Health Education dedicates part of their website to alcohol safety. According to the website, some safer drinking strategies include utilizing a designated driver, eating before or during drinking, sticking to one type of alcohol or abstaining from alcohol altogether. Along with safer drinking strategies, the website provides information on ways to identify alcohol poisoning, knowing a standard drink and estimating a person’s blood alcohol content.
According to UI’s Public Safety and Security website, the security team patrols campus 24/7 and works in collaboration with Moscow Police, Fire and Paramedics.
Moscow Police Officer Jay Waters said there are not generally more incidents on Halloween in Moscow. Campus is always an extra concern for the MPD, and extra patrols are provided during Halloween on campus, he said.
“(To stay safe) people can wear flash lights and more reflective clothing,” Waters said. “Drivers can pay extra attention.”
Savannah Cardon and Mary Phipps can be reached at [email protected]
Emergency contacts:
Emergency help: 911
Moscow Police:
208-882-2677
Campus Security:
208-885-7054
24-hour crisis hotline:
208-885-6716
Gritman Hospital:
208-882-4511