BLOOMINGTON — Halloween weekend is typically one of the busiest party weekends on the IU Bloomington campus and IU Police are getting the word out early on tips for staying safe.
“There can be a lot of scary things around Halloween, but calling the police should not be one of them,” said IU Public Safety Public Information Officer Hannah Skibba. “If you have somebody that needs medical attention, whether that’s due to levels of intoxication or anything else, please call the police to get them help if they need it.”
Skibba pointed to the Indiana Lifeline Law, which provides limited protection to minors from alcohol-related charges when they call for medical help for a person experiencing a medical emergency. However, a person must stay on scene and cooperate with police throughout the course of the investigation in order to receive immunity.
Alcohol-related illness symptoms to look out for include slow breathing, cool, pale, bluish skin, vomiting, cannot stand or talk, and/or irregular or slow pulse. IU Police also encourage people to say in groups and don’t leave others behind.
“Know your limits,” Skibba said. “Plan for a safe ride to and from wherever you’re going, and just be a good neighbor and keep everybody safe”
IU students are encouraged to be careful with costume choices. Skibba said it is best to avoid costumes that limit your ability to see and interpret your surroundings.
Additionally, you’re encouraged to refrain from costumes that have fake or look-alike weapons, as they can cause unintended panic among other students and police officers.
If you have an emergency on campus during Halloween weekend, there are many ways you can get help, in addition to calling 911. You can download the Rave Guardian App, which receives IU Notify alerts, access to 911 dispatchers and the ability to send anonymous tips.
IU also has dozens of emergency “Blue Light” phones all over campus. The emergency phone system rings directly to the IU Police Department and can be used in emergency situations like reporting a crime or calling for medical assistance.
You can find a map with all emergency phone locations here.
