B-Safe while celebrating Parade Day
The official start to spring is right around the corner and there is no better sign that winter is almost over than the the annual St. Patrick's Day events that take place locally and around the country. The Binghamton area has a proud Irish heritage and every year downtown becomes a sea of green amidst all the festivities. Over the years, these events have been enjoyed by thousands of Binghamton University students who proudly dress in green and enjoy all of the events including parades, Irish food and dance and all of the related events that happen in celebration of this holiday.
As we have done in previous safety messages, we ask all Binghamton University students to enjoy these activities, but to make good choices and stay safe while celebrating. Always remember that when you are out in the community, you are a representative of Binghamton University, and as such your behavior can reflect positively or negatively on both the University and yourself personally. How you and the University are perceived by the Greater Binghamton community is up to you. Remember, that these are community events and there will be families and children present. You can have a good time and still be a good role model.
If you choose to drink alcohol while celebrating, do so lawfully and responsibly. Intoxication inevitably leads to bad choices and impaired judgment. If you are going to drink, know your own limits. Eat a good meal before you head downtown and stay hydrated. Avoid binge drinking and drinking games. The effects of consuming a lot of alcohol in a short time can cause severe intoxication, and can quickly become a medical emergency requiring hospitalization. Also, avoid drinking all day and night. Take a break and give your body time to recover and process the alcohol.
Other safety tips to follow:
- Never leave a drink unattended and never accept a drink from someone you don't know.
At house parties, avoid drinking punch from an open bowl. You do not know what is in the punch or the effect it may have on you. - Avoid binge drinking, drinking contests and drinking multiple shots of liquor.
- Never drive a vehicle after consuming alcohol and never get into a vehicle with an intoxicated driver.
- After hours it is always a good idea to travel in pairs or groups. There is safety in numbers.
- Stay in well-lit areas and on streets where there are a lot of people.
- When walking, walk with a purpose.
- When going out at night, have a plan. Talk to your friends about what to do if you get separated and think about your transportation needs ahead of time.
- If a friend becomes intoxicated or ill, call for help and stay with your friend until help arrives. You will NOT get in any trouble for calling for help.
- Your well-being and the safety of you and your friends is a shared responsibility. If you see something happening, don't be a bystander. Summon help immediately and intervene if you can do so safely.
These same rules apply for anyone using illegal drugs that can cause impairment and cloud judgment.
St. Patrick's Day events are a lot of fun for everyone, especially when you dress for the day by wearing green. For all of us at Binghamton University, the green that is special to us is Pantone 342, the official color of the Binghamton University Bearcats. Show your pride in Binghamton and celebrate safely as a proud member of the Binghamton University community.
Randall M-J Edouard
Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Interim Dean of Students
Timothy R. Faughnan
Associate Vice President for Emergency Services
