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With Halloween just around the corner, The Daily Orange has gathered a list of tips for Syracuse University students to stay safe and out of dangerous situations throughout the fun weekend.

In a Tuesday email, Dean of Students Sheriah Dixon shared campus resources and guidelines for “thoughtful” costumes and neighborhood etiquette for a “safe, inclusive and enjoyable” Halloween.

To prioritize safety over the weekend, students should be aware of their surroundings and stay in groups when walking. Students should also remain mindful of their alcohol consumption.

It’s recommended that students make a plan for safe drinking with friends before the weekend begins to prevent alcohol overconsumption. To prioritize safe drinking, students should stay hydrated with water and avoid mixing beverages.

Many college students often consume more alcoholic beverages on Halloween. On average, students consume over 6 drinks which is 1.4 more drinks than a traditional weekend, according to a Research Gate study.

Students should also be aware of alcohol poisoning signs, including cold skin, unconsciousness, puking and slow breathing, Dixon wrote. To easily remember the signs, students can remember the acronym “C.U.P.S.”

SU’s Medical Amnesty Policy is a resource if someone is experiencing alcohol poisoning. Neither the student receiving medical assistance nor the one contacting emergency services will be punished. Students can visit the Barnes Center at the Arch’s website for more information on resources and questions, Dixon wrote.

Halloween also falls between the beginning of the academic year and Thanksgiving Break, known as the “Red Zone,” when the majority of reported on-campus sexual violence and assault cases occur.

According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, more than half of all college sexual assault cases happen during the Red Zone period.

To productively help someone in a dangerous situation, students should consider seeking out assistance if someone is behaving aggressively, bringing home a friend who drank too much and taking the threat of sexual assault seriously, according to RAINN.

“Bystander intervention” — or when someone who’s not involved in a situation steps in to help — is one of the most effective ways to prevent sexual assault and creates a safer environment for everyone, according to the University of Cambridge.

Students should also remain attentive to their alcoholic beverages, staying aware of “drink spiking” when drinks are laced with drugs such as ketamine, Rohypnol and GHB, which are often difficult to detect.

Students should watch their drinks consistently and ask friends to hold them when unattended. Consider buying a new drink if leaving it and purchasing a drink cover for added safety.

During a Monday Student Government Association meeting, Chief of Campus Safety Michael Bunker said the Department of Public Safety is focused on keeping students safe during Halloween weekend.

DPS will be “doubling or tripling” the number of officers patrolling the campus on Halloween, compared to an average Friday night, Bunker said.

Due to the increased number of intoxicated drivers on Halloween weekend, car accidents are another concern to be aware of.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 39% of fatal car accidents on Halloween in 2022 included an inebriated driver. Pedestrian deaths also increase by 43% on Halloween, compared to other nights. Look for ride-share options, such as Uber and Lyft, or a predesignated sober driver.

To report an emergency, unsafe situation or suspicious activity, contact DPS at (315) 443-2224 or call 911. DPS also offers a safety escort shuttle, which can be reached at (315) 443-7433.

Published on October 30, 2025 at 12:10 am
Contact Shivika: sgupta38@syr.edu