Halloween Safety Tips From The Santa Barbara County Bar Association

The Santa Barbara County Bar Association encourages Isla Vista (IV) students and visitors to stay safe over the Halloween weekend. For over three decades, IV, home to the University of CA, Santa Barbara and neighbor to the renowned Santa Barbara City College, has been known for its Halloween festivities. The party fills the streets as thousands of Halloween celebrators descend into Isla Vista.

Here’s what else you should know — arrests spike significantly during this celebration. As do the calls by worried parents to the Santa Barbara County Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service.

When enjoying Halloween this year, be smart! A sudden arrest, sick friend or missing car can bring your party to an abrupt halt. Here are a few tips to keep you safe and sane this Halloween:

·        Don’t wear a costume that includes anything that could be confused with a real weapon. Don’t wear anything that could be taken as impersonating a police officer, and don’t wear anything too risqué. Remember, the goal of your costume isn’t to make it scary-short or scary-revealing… just scary!

·        Be sure to follow all parking restrictions, and read the signs. During busy weekends like Halloween, parking rules may change. Be sure to lock your car doors and don’t leave anything valuable inside.

·        If of legal drinking age, don’t leave your drink unattended, and never accept a drink from someone you don’t know.

·        Don’t walk alone at night; travel in a group at all times and never travel with someone you don’t know.

·        Don’t get drunk. The point is to have fun, not be the drunkest one at the party. Plus your friends want to have fun too, not be your babysitter.

·        If you find yourself at a party where you don’t know a lot of people or the crowd seems sketchy, grab your friends and get out.

·        Shy away from unlit areas and narrow streets.