Over the past two months there were over 190 reports of drink spiking incidents that have been reported to the police (The Guardian, 2021). With evenings getting darker earlier as we approach Halloween, it is important that we educate ourselves on how to stay safe.
Whether you will be spending Halloween Trick or Treating, partying, or at a club, here are a few tips to keep yourself and others safe. This is by no means a finite list of how to stay safe, it’s just some friendly advice.
Trick or Treating
Trick or treating is a Halloween tradition that no child wants to miss, but as evenings grow darker it is essential to stay alert.
Do not go out trick or treating alone, go with a group, a parent or sibling – safety in numbers.
Do not accept or eat sweets that look like they may have been tampered with, throw them away immediately.
When crossing roads, stop, look, and listen. Wear bright clothing so that you can be seen by vehicles.
If it would make you feel more comfortable, get a small attack alarm. These have a torch and a string, which when pulled sends out a loud sound to bring attention to yourself if necessary.
Halloween Parties and Clubbing
Although for University students and other young adults, fancy dress Halloween parties are a hallmark of the season there are some safety points you must remember.
Do not accept a drink from someone you don’t know; you don’t know what could be in it.
Always watch your drink being made and make sure it’s handed straight to you.
Never leave your drink unattended.
You can purchase cup covers or bottle stoppers to make yourself feel safer. Some clubs are now giving these items out for free or making them purchasable at the bar.
Unfortunately, recently, there have been reports of spiking via injection which may present similar symptoms. Spiking can have many symptoms, such as: ‘lowered inhibitions, loss of balance, feeling sleepy, visual problems, confusion, nausea, vomiting, unconsciousness’ – (https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/)
If you believe you or your friends’ drink has been spiked, here is what Drinkaware.co.uk suggests:
Tell a bar manager, bouncer or member of staff
Stay with them and keep talking to them
Call an ambulance if their condition deteriorates
Don’t let them go home on their own
Don’t let them leave with someone you don’t know or trust
Don’t let them drink more alcohol - this could lead to more serious problems
If you receive a needle injury here is the NHS advice:
Encourage the wound to bleed, ideally by holding it under running water
Wash the wound using running water and plenty of soap
Do not scrub the wound while you’re washing it
Do not suck the wound
Dry the wound and cover it with a waterproof plaster or dressing.
You should also seek urgent medical advice as you may need treatment to reduce the risk of getting an infection.
Key things to remember: don’t walk home by yourself, don’t drink excessively as this can make you less aware of your surroundings and if you feel unsafe at any time, tell someone! If you’re at a bar or club tell a member of staff immediately.
These are only a few tips, but we hope they help you to keep safe and have a spook-tacular Halloween 2021!
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