Creeping it safe during Halloween

Students, such as nursing junior Clarissa Galaviz, said being careful and staying with family and friends is a safety tip for anyone celebrating Halloween.

“I am always very cautious around me,” Galaviz said. “I go to a neighborhood … that already has a police there and I feel safe going to those.”

She celebrates Halloween by going to her uncle’s neighborhood, where the police are present and more people participate during the celebration.

“My brothers and I, we have a competition, whoever has the most candies wins,” Galaviz said. “I think there was one time, we combined all of our candy together and we had a whole trash bag filled with candies.”

James Loya, UTRGV assistant chief of police, advises students to be aware of their surroundings by remaining alert on busy streets during trick-or-treating hours from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

“Just be aware of your surroundings, never get to the point where you lose faculties,” Loya said. “During those time periods, make sure that you be cautious when driving in [the] neighborhood and to make sure to be on the lookout for any small kids that may be in the area.”

He recommends a designated sober driver for those planning to consume alcoholic beverages.

Loya also mentioned the importance of carefully choosing a costume.

“With any costumes … make sure it fits perfectly,” he said. “You don’t want anything too big to where it may cause a trip hazard. … When you pick a costume, just be sure your visibility is never obstructed.”

He also said prop weapons should be used properly.

“When dealing with prop weapons, I mean, nowadays they make weapons that you get for Halloween, you know, pretty realistic,” Loya said. “You have to be real careful with that, making sure that you do not present them in a matter that somebody may find them threatening.”

Similarly, Wesley Milum, director of Emergency and Trauma Services and a registered nurse at Valley Baptist Medical Center-Brownsville, mentioned the importance of parents carefully choosing a costume for their children.

“Try and plan for costumes that are bright,” Milum said. “… Dark colors are the most popular during Halloween.

“There’s visibility issues with traffic, you know, seeing children running across the street in smaller neighborhoods and darker, poor-lit areas.”

Milum suggested some solutions for dark-colored costumes, such as using glow sticks or reflective tape.

He said those who have food allergies or are watching their food intake should moderate what they consume during the celebration.

For students who are celebrating on campus, the University Police is available for emergencies.

“For us, it’s going to be like any particular day,” Loya said. “We’re in full session, you know. With the evening classes as well, so if you find yourselves in a situation where you need assistance, call us.”

For campus emergencies, call 882-4911.