Halloween can be a fun holiday, but a failure to act responsibly can darken the day more quickly than a black cat.

But don’t worry!

To make Halloween a treat, keep in mind these safety tips when out and about.

SAFETY TIPS

• Avoid placing yourself in environments where it’s easier for criminals to commit a personal crime.
• Always keep your doors and windows locked. Never leave personal property unattended.
• If possible, let a friend or roommate know where and with whom you’ll be and when you’ll return.
• Trust your instincts! If you feel uncomfortable about someone near you on the street, in an elevator, or getting off a bus, head for a populated place or yell for help.
• Use well-lit and busy sidewalks.
• Avoid walking alone or walking near vacant lots, alleys, construction sites, and wooded areas.
• Use the Late Night Ride Service or Huskie Patrol escorts.
• Learn the locations of all call boxes on campus.
• Carry a cell phone, whistle, or a personal alarm to alert people that you need help.
• Attend an educational course and learn what can be done to avoid vulnerability to crimes like sexual assault, relationship violence and stalking.
• Try to park in an area that will be well-lit and heavily traveled when you return.
• Lock your car doors and roll up the windows completely, even if you’re only running a quick errand. Do not leave valuables in plain view.
• 

  If you choose to drink, drink legally and responsibly. Remember that your ability to respond is diminished by over-consumption of alcohol.

  Stay alert at all times and call the police immediately to report suspicious activity.

• Follow all rules of the road when driving a car, riding a bike, or using other forms of personal transportation such as rollerblades, skateboards or scooters.
• Put ICE (In Case of Emergency) in your cell phone, along with a name and telephone number of a loved one, to enable emergency services personnel to contact your family in the event of an emergency.
• Listening to loud music, wearing headphones or using your cell phone distracts you from being alert to potential safety issues. Unplug yourself and tune in to your immediate environment.
• Utilize crosswalks at all times and obey the signals at intersections when walking. Under Illinois law, as a pedestrian, you DO NOT have the right of way until you establish yourself in the crosswalk. If you are crossing at any location other than a crosswalk, you MUST yield to vehicular traffic.
• When driving, be aware of pedestrians and bicyclists and yield to them when required by law.
• Watch for NIU Safety Bulletins, both alerts and advisories.

Halloween can be a fun time for students and the campus community, but it can also be a night when people take advantage of the relaxed atmosphere. It’s important to take time to plan and make good decisions in order to enjoy a night of fun.