MUNCIE, Ind.(NewsLink) - Ball State’s Homecoming Week kicked off yesterday and the University Police Department (UPD) wanted to remind people how to stay safe during the busy week.
The week is full of various festivities for students and locals to enjoy, like a food truck festival, Air Jam and the football game this weekend. With the amount of activities being offered, UPD Police Chief and Director of Public Safety James Duckham gave some of his top tips to avoid traffic.
“We encourage people to arrive early. There'll be traffic congestions. To be patient with parking and just have a good time, you know, and enjoy the day,” said Duckham.
He also emphasized the importance of remembering the law when it comes to alcohol and house parties this weekend.
“Well we want people to act responsibly, so if you're not 21, you know you're not allowed to drink in the state of Indiana certainly, you know. So that's one of the key things about being responsible and even if you are of legal drinking age, you know, don't over-serve your friends,” he said.
Chief Duckham also talked about the need to be aware of your surroundings, especially after a shooting at a house party near IU last weekend. The shooting was very similar to one that happened near Ball State over the summer.
“We always talk about knowing your surroundings, being, you know, situationally aware. If you're not comfortable going to a certain location, then I would suggest you not go. If you're hosting a party, we encourage people not to post it on social media. Have a guest list. Invite people that you want to be at your event or your party at your event. You know, if people show up that you're not comfortable with or you don't know or are uninvited, call the police.”
But his most important advice was about the Indiana Lifeline Law.
“Yeah we really want people to intervene, you know. The Indiana Lifeline Law is a really great law. It's designed just for that. If you're underage drinking and somebody is intoxicated and you're afraid to call because you think you'll get in trouble, you have immunity.”
The homecoming game versus the Toledo Rockets will kick off at 2 p.m. this Saturday.
