Put safety first this Halloween

Madison’s Freakfest is coming up this Saturday, Oct. 30, and the Division of Student Life is wishing students a safe and happy Halloween.

Have a great time if you plan to attend Freakfest on State Street, but go out with safety in mind, says Lori Berquam, dean of students.

“Above all, take care of yourself and your friends, and make sure everyone gets home safely,” she says.

If you don’t feel like going out in the crowds on State Street, numerous other events are taking place, such as men’s hockey, volleyball and music at Memorial Union. Visit http://www.today.wisc.edu for details.

Should you choose to go out, keep in mind that intoxication may increase your vulnerability to becoming a victim of crime. Among the wisdom gathered from past State Street celebrations:

• Common sense: Go out with your friends. Stay in a group and return home with that group. Walk in well-lit areas. Check in with each other throughout the night. Designate a meeting time and place in case you get separated.

• Housing: Keep in mind that nonresidents will not be allowed in University Housing residence halls on Oct. 29-31. Residents may be asked to show their Wiscard when entering residence hall buildings and while in other public areas of University Housing throughout Halloween weekend.  Please be advised that non-residents will be asked to immediately leave the premises on these dates.

• If a friend can’t walk home on his or her own or passes out, don’t leave your friend alone. Call 911 if you are uncertain of his or her condition.

• If you accept a beverage from someone, make sure that you know the person, you’ve observed the drink’s preparation and that you never leave it unattended. Exercise caution in any public setting with any beverage.

• If you plan to host a party, control who enters your residence. Don’t hold an “open” party. People who have access to your residence should be guests who are known to you, and not just anyone who walks in off the street.

• Remember to wear closed-toed shoes instead of sandals or flip-flops in the event that there is broken glass on the street. Glass is banned on State Street overall.

• Open intoxicants are not allowed on any city street, sidewalk, terrace, alley or other public property, even if you are of legal drinking age. The Madison Police Department will forward any citation information back to the Division of Student Life and you could face sanctions that could impact your student status. Similarly, information about students from other schools will be conveyed back to their home campuses.

• Weapons or realistic facsimiles of weapons as part of costumes are not allowed by Madison police.

• On Halloween, don’t wear a costume that inhibits or restricts your ability to see or run. Some people may take advantage of being unrecognizable in a Halloween costume.

Lastly, Berquam is again asking students to consider everyone’s right to live and feel safe in the Madison community, including fellow students, campus neighbors and downtown business owners.

“I strongly believe that racist, crude and culturally insensitive costumes say a lot about the person wearing that costume.” she says. “You don’t come off as funny, but offensive. Please be respectful and considerate ”

Finally, remember that the anonymity you may feel from wearing a mask or costume does not negate your rights or responsibilities as a Madison resident or a UW–Madison student. Students found to be responsible for engaging in criminal behavior that impacts other members of the university community — on or off campus — can face sanctions up to and including suspension or expulsion.

For more information, visit http://www.safeu.wisc.edu or http://www.channel3000.com/freakfest/index.html