While many students go to parties on Halloween, they should practice caution at the same time.

Because this Halloween falls on a Friday, Lt. John Stewart of the University police, who works the midnight shift on Halloween, said he expects more people out than if it had been on a week day. This could mean increased numbers of alcohol and violence calls, which are the biggest problems during Halloween, he said.

During Halloween the University police’s staffing stays the same as normal, but Stewart said they take a more “proactive approach” by going into buildings more in order to be in closer contact with students.

Stewart said students need to be aware of their surroundings and how much they drink.

“The same things they do all the rest of the time of the year is extra important around Halloween,” he said. “Really the goal is to have fun and at the end of the night, go home, preferably without encountering police in a negative situation.”

He advises students to stay with friends and be aware of dangers such as alcohol poisoning. If students need a ride or a way home, he said they can call the Campus Escort Service at 419-372-8360.

Junior Kelsey Jones will be with friends this weekend and said other students should be smart about who they’re with.

“It’s best to travel in packs, like groups of people you trust,”

she said.

Jones also said eating a full meal and drinking water is good to do before drinking alcohol.

To keep from getting too drunk, Faith Yingling, director of the Wellness Connection, said students should set a drink limit and learn what a standard drink is. She said a 12 oz. beer is considered one standard drink, but something like a Long Island Iced Tea counts as five.

She also advised against mixing alcohol and energy drinks.

“It’s like having one foot on the brake and one foot on the accelerator,” Yingling said.

Another danger Yingling highlighted was increased pedestrian traffic during Halloween.

“I’m always amazed by the pedestrian traffic,” she said. “People need to be cautious whether you’re driving or are a pedestrian.”

Students also should be mindful of their costumes, she said. Yingling said students shouldn’t make something that could be mistaken for a weapon, especially since police will be out.

During Halloween shifts, Stewart said students are found stumbling down the sidewalk or passed out in bathrooms. If students are worried about a friend in poor condition, he said it’s best to call the police or ambulance to help.

“If they’re afraid their friend’s had too much to drink, they should maybe call,” he said. “Let us come and check them out. Don’t be afraid of what’s going to happen to them. The important thing is to get

them help.”

Although these can be problems, Stewart said students often keep safe during holidays such as these.

“I think our students do a great job of knowing how to have fun and knowing when not to take it too far,” he said.