As hollowed-out pumpkins start to populate the porches of Columbus, and cobwebs (albeit artificial) drape over the doorways, Halloween safety is a hot topic for Ohio State University students gearing up for a weekend of spooky festivities. According to Ohio State University's Department of Public Safety, the key to a safe Halloween is to combine the fun of the season with some serious precautions.
The department stresses the importance of companionship during this pumpkin-spiced period, advocating for the buddy system—stick with your friends on your night out, and make certain to come back as a group. They insist on using Buck IDs for residence hall access and discourage letting non-residents tailgate into the dorms. If students spot anything out of the ordinary, they're instructed to contact the University Police—or the Columbus Division of Police for off-campus incidents. Yet, in the case of an emergency, the mantra still stands: dial 9-1-1.
Turning to off-campus living, students should be vigilant by locking their doors, securing their windows, and keeping their abode well-lit. The suggestion comes with a nudge to avoid walking alone when night falls. The Office of Student Life’s Off-Campus and Commuter Student Engagement takes things a step further by offering free window and door alarms to elevate home security measures. Furthermore, the university promotes the use of alternative transportation, such as the Lyft Ride Smart program or free CABS On-Demand services, to avoid late-night travel on foot.
Halloween should be pleasurable for all who partake, but safety should not be masked beneath the costumes and candy. Echoing the sentiments shared by university officials, they encourage the Buckeyes to bask in the Halloween tradition, all the while adhering to these preventative measures. For more information on how to keep your Halloween weekend safe and sweet, visit the university's safety tips via the Ohio State University's official website.
