GRAPHIC | Tara Espinoza
Halloween weekend is just around the corner. As students go off to enjoy their Halloween parties, festivals, bonfires and more, the Arka Tech would like to encourage everyone to stay safe. While Halloween is fun, it can be dangerous as well.
Everyone deserves to enjoy the festivities without getting hurt or worrying about unsafety. In this editorial we will give some tips for staying safe, but this list is in no way exhaustive.
Halloween is one of the only times of the year when you have an excuse to dress up however you like. However, remember to take safety precautions when putting on your costume. If you plan to wear restrictive items like a binder or a corset, make sure you follow the right instructions for wearing them.
When painting your face with spooky makeup, consider checking the ingredients before putting it on. Some Halloween makeup is not eye or mouth safe and can cause your skin to break out if left on too long. Additionally, if you are attending a bonfire, be sure to be cautious of long pieces of your wardrobe,
No matter what you’re wearing, if you are attending a Halloween party you should practice party safety. This will be better for both you and the people with you in the long run. This is especially important for women, who are unfortunately at a higher rate of danger at parties than men.
Never leave your drink unattended, and be cautious of spiked punches. If you are attending a party with people you don’t know, consider bringing a buddy and be cautious of accepting food or drinks from strangers.
While drinking can be fun, know your limits and avoid mixing drinks with drugs. Additionally don’t drive drunk or get into a car with a drunk driver. Peer pressure can be hard to resist, but remember that your safety and comfort are more important than what your friends think.
Be aware of your surroundings, and always remember the number one rule: consent. No matter what the scenario is, you deserve to have your consent respected. Do not ever ignore the consent of someone else, or take advantage of someone who is too intoxicated to give consent.
Finally, don’t be afraid to step up if you witness something unsafe. If your friends are doing something dangerous, or you notice someone is being harassed, stand up for them. Safety should always be a high priority.
Halloween is a great holiday to relax and have fun. It is not a holiday to spend in the emergency room. The Arka Tech wishes you all a safe and happy Halloween.
