Halloween in Chico has a deep tradition of being a time for partying. While I have no bone to pick with celebrating, I do have a few tips for staying safe while doing it.

Sex is great, but it can be dangerous to get caught up in an exciting hookup. There will be an influx of “out-of-towners” into our city. That means new interesting people. However, just because someone is, as they’ll say, “only here for the night,” it doesn’t mean you should dive right into bed with them.

Only knowing someone for a few hours doesn’t give you enough time to protect yourself against STDs or other dangers. If you don’t know someone, it is safer to not sleep with them.

Also don’t go off alone with people you don’t know, while you may have one thing in mind, they could have another. No one wants to get robbed or attacked, especially on a holiday.

Keep close to friends, they are your party safety net. Remember friends who show up together, should leave together.

I shouldn’t have to mention it, but drunk people cannot consent. An enthusiastic drunk yes equals a no. Have respect for someone. Halloween is a great time to meet someone, exchange glances and numbers. No exchanges of body fluids need to take place.

After all, everything is a lot better when you can remember it!

Also, don’t let anyone tell you, you can’t show off what your momma gave you. Just make sure to bring a sweater, nights in Chico can get cold.

Halloween is a time for blowing off steam from those crazy midterms. But, while you are doing that, always remember your safety and your friend’s safety are top priority.

Know when to call it a night. Even if the bars are still open, it doesn’t mean you should stay and dance with that cutie. Make sure all your friends are counted for. Routinely ask how everyone is feeling. Don’t feel obligated to drink more just in the spirit of the season.

If you do plan on meeting up with somebody at a party (and no one is drunk) bring protection. You don’t want to be the person who doesn’t have that when the time comes.

It can lead to stupid “just this once” decisions that can stay with you for a lifetime. STDs and STIs are a scary reality, even if someone is on birth control.

When it comes to having a lit Halloween it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Rachael Bayuk can be reached at [email protected] or @BayukRachael on Twitter