Perspective
Halloween is one of the most popular party holidays among college students. It’s the time where creative juices start flowing as quickly as the alcohol, and everyone takes to the streets to show off the outfits chosen throughout the course of the year (or last minute for the procrastinators).
This year, downtown New Haven had the experience of two “Halloweekends”, which took place the weekend before and after the day of Halloween.
However, all celebrations were brought to a halt this year due to last week’s active shooting, taking place on Chapel Street on the 800 block.
Several gunshots rang out at around 2 a.m., and police were alerted that at least one person was shot at the time, a 22-year old who was promptly taken to Yale New Haven Hospital for treatment.
The 22-year-old would be the first of four shooting victims discovered by officers as the search for the armed suspect continued. The second victim, a 19-year-old woman located on Church Street was found unresponsive and in critical condition. The third victim was a 21-year-old, found with the body of the second victim and also unresponsive. The fourth victim was found and also taken to the hospital, although the location was not disclosed.
One of the suspects, Brian Anderson-Benton, was arrested that night and is now awaiting trial as a gun and bullets were recovered from the scene. He has not entered a plea and will stay in custody until further notice.
Going out to clubs or bars downtown is certainly a fun and exciting experience, but safety should always be the top priority. Whether you’re headed to a nightclub, bar or any social venue. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings, take precautions and know what steps to take if a situation arises. Here are some essential downtown safety tips to help ensure you have a good time while staying safe.
Before you even step out
First and foremost, the safety of the night should be planned before you even leave. Before heading to the club, make sure you have a safe and reliable plan for getting there and back. If you’re going with friends and plan on drinking, designate a driver who will remain sober to get everyone home safely.
If the whole group plans to drink, ensure that someone can safely order a ride from a trusted driving app, like Uber or Lyft. When taking these rides, ensure that you properly identify the driver and the license plate to prevent any dangerous situations.
Drink Safety
Drink safety is a key concern in nightlife venues. The last thing you want is to find yourself in an unsafe situation because your drink was tampered with.
Never leave your drink unattended, and always keep an eye on it. If you’re stepping away from your table, bar, or anywhere that you have a drink, either take it with you or ask a trusted friend to watch it.
If someone offers you a drink, decline the drink unless it is someone you absolutely know for certain you can trust. Keep in mind that it is always safer to accept it from the bartender or server themselves.
Consider carrying a drink test kit or using drink covers to detect common substances like date-rape drugs or aphrodisiacs. Though these precautions aren’t foolproof, they can add an extra layer of safety.
Keep Your Personal Items Secure
Clubs can be crowded and chaotic, making it easy for personal items to go missing. Protecting your belongings is important to avoid theft or loss.
If you plan on bringing a purse or bag, consider a smaller bag or crossbody purse that you can keep close to your body. Avoid leaving valuables in your coat pockets or backpacks.
Another useful tip is to avoid carrying large sums of cash. Opt for credit or debit cards, and be mindful of your wallet. Keep emergency cash in your wallet, but only enough to make it back to wherever you are staying.
Some clubs offer coat check services, so take advantage of them!
Watch your group
Whether you’re at the club with a group or just a couple of friends, you should always look out for each other. Stay in pairs or small groups whenever possible, and stay within eyesight of the rest of the group. If a friend plans on going home with someone unfamiliar, make sure that they are sober and conscious enough to make smart decisions.
If you get separated, establish a clear meeting point where you can reconvene. This ensures you have a safe space to regroup if you lose track of each other. Club lights usually tend to turn on when it is time to close, making it easier for groups to find each other and make it out safe.
Stay Sober or Drink Responsibly
It is essential to know your limits and drink responsibly, since blacking out at a club can lead to a disastrous night.
Avoid overindulging, as excessive drinking can impair judgment and make you more vulnerable to risky situations. If you’re feeling too drunk, it’s best to stop drinking and switch to water and eat if possible, as having food in your stomach will help you sober up.
Stay hydrated by drinking water and other electrolytes (Liquid IV and Gatorade are great for consuming while drinking) throughout the night, especially if you’re consuming alcohol. This helps prevent dehydration and minimizes the risk of hangovers.
A good meal before heading out can help absorb alcohol and prevent you from getting drunk too quickly.
Be Cautious on the Dance Floor
The dance floor is usually the most appealing aspect of the clubs, it’s where you can meet people and socialize, but it’s also where incidents can happen when people get too drunk or wild.
The most important rule is to always respect others’ personal space and boundaries. If someone isn’t comfortable with your dancing, take a step back.
Keep an eye on your surroundings to avoid bumping into others or getting caught up in dangerous situations. Club dance floors are essentially a crowded area full of drunk people. If things feel too crowded, step back and reassess the situation, and if things get heated or violent, try to deescalate the situation or simply find another place on the floor to dance.
Know Emergency Procedures
Even though you’re out to have fun, it’s always good to be aware of what to do in case of an emergency. Upon entering the club, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the layout, especially the emergency exits. This way, you’ll know where to go in case you need to leave quickly for any reason.
In the event of an emergency, remain calm, follow the venue’s instructions, and help others if necessary. Keep your phone charged and accessible so that you can communicate with your group and get home safely.
Stay Safe While Socializing
Meeting new people is a large part of the fun at a club, but always be cautious when engaging with strangers.
If you’re approached by someone who makes you uncomfortable, assert your boundaries and remove yourself from the situation. If someone will not leave you alone and continues to make you uncomfortable, you can alert nearby bouncers or security.
Nightclubs and social venues can offer an exciting and memorable night out, but they can also pose risks if you’re not prepared or vigilant. It’s important to acknowledge that while it’s always nice to get out and meet new people to socialize with, safety comes first. A successful night is making sure your entire group gets in, tears the dance floor up, and gets out.
