U-M Guide to a Safe and Spooky Halloween

Image of four jack-o-lanterns sitting in orange and yellow leaves. Text reads: Halloween Safety Tips Logo: University of Michigan Division of Public Safety and Security

Whether you’re planning to trick-or-treat, attend a costume party, or enjoy the festivities around campus this Halloween season, your safety remains our top priority. Be sure to keep these safety tips in mind: 

Tips for motorists during trick-or-treating hours

  • Watch for children walking on roadways, medians, and curbs
  • Enter and exit driveways and alleyways with extreme caution
  • Discourage new or inexperienced drivers from being on the road during trick-or-treating hours

Choose your Halloween costume wisely

  • Check the weather forecast in advance and dress accordingly
  • Don’t carry toy weapons that could be confused for the real thing
  • Be sure to have a charged cell phone while you’re out

Choose to be safe and legal – the legal drinking age is 21

  • Keep open containers of alcohol off of public property in undesignated areas, streets, and sidewalks–even if you are over 21
  • Never drink and drive or ride with people who’ve been drinking
  • Have a game plan for getting home safely
  • Never accept a beverage from anyone you don’t know
  • Never leave your drink unattended

Use the buddy system

Know your limits and “Stay in the Blue”

  • You can celebrate Halloween without drinking heavily
  • Download the Stay in the Blue app
  • If you see someone who needs medical attention, call 911 even if they are not of legal drinking age. High intoxication levels can be deadly. Learn about the medical amnesty law here

Halloween Events

Whatever you decide to do, remember to take care of your fellow Wolverines and exercise good judgment as you celebrate Halloween this year. GO BOO!