Planning to Socialize?
Follow Cyclones Care behaviors and know the COVID-19 Policy on Student Social Gatherings.
Consider options like virtual happy hours and game nights with your ISU friends and friends across the globe!
If you're gathering in person, keep the gatherings small and in places where distance can be maintained, face coverings are worn and where you're not sharing things like drinks, vapes or food.
Medium to large in-person gatherings in an indoor, poorly ventilated space where party-goers aren't in your friend group, face coverings aren't worn and it's difficult to maintain distance put you and your friends at the highest risk for COVID-19.
How do you party smart?
- Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated areas
- Physical distance
- Wear a face covering
- Prepare your own drinks
- Don't share cups, drinks, vapes, water bottles, etc.
- Pace yourself and alternate drinks with water
- Take care of each other and make sure everyone gets home safely
Having a party?
Follow these 10 tips to help everyone have a good time.
- Remind friends to bring and wear face coverings; have them symptom check before coming over
- Go outside or increase ventilation inside by opening windows
- Talk to your neighbors beforehand, make sure they have your cell so they can call you before the police
- Limit the gathering to close friends, know who is at your party and lock up your valuables. Remember, you're responsible for your guests.
- Know the rules in your lease and city ordinances
- Alcohol is for those 21+ and stick to closed containers
- Offer pre-packaged snacks, non-alcoholic drinks and games like bags or dancing to avoid drinking games
- Keep your noise level low
- Clean up your property after the party
- If the police arrive, wear a face covering and comply with any requests
Alcohol Poisoning
Signs and Symptoms
- C - Cold, clammy, pale, or bluish skin
- U - Unconscious or unable to be awakened
- P - Puking repeatedly or uncontrollably
- S - Slow or irregular breathing
What to Do
- Call 911 - Iowa is a medical amnesty state
- Don't leave them alone to sleep it off
- If passed out, put them on their side to prevent choking on vomit
- If breathing stops, perform CPR or find someone who knows how
- If someone is hospitalized, contact the Dean of Students Office so support services can be offered
Call for help if ANY sign is present! Police are more concerned about the person's safety than if you've been drinking under the legal age. Party smart, show you care by taking care of your friends and peers!
Did you Know? Local and State Laws
Nuisance Party: A social gathering or party within the City that results in one or more conditions of events occurring at the party or neighboring the party including: littering, noise violation, public urination, illegal parking, public intoxication, underage drinking and others as outlined in Ames Municipal Code 17.30.
Social Host: A person who knowingly allows or fails to stop any person under 21 from drinking alcohol on their property could be charged with a misdemeanor. If you own, lease, or have the lawful right to the use of the property, you cannot allow minors to consume alcohol on the property.
Possession Under Legal Age: You must be 21 years of age to consume, purchase, attempt to purchase, or possess alcohol.
Consumption in Public: It is illegal to use or consume alcohol on public streets or in any public place expect for exceptions outlined in Ames Municipal code 17.17.
Public Intoxication: Any person cannot be intoxicated or simulate intoxication in a public place.
Fake IDs: Any person who has in their possession any fictitious or altered license, or lends their license to another person, or uses another person’s license could be charged with a serious misdemeanor and arrestable offense.
Operating While Intoxicated: The legal limit for operating while intoxicated is .08, but an individual can be charged for an OWI even if their BAC is below .08 if they are impaired. For people under 21 years old, the legal BAC limit is .02.
Littering: Throwing an item of trash (e.g. container of alcohol) on the ground could result in a citation or arrest.
Noise: The maximum noise level from 7 a.m. to Midnight is 60 decibels. All other hours is 55 decibels. The volume of a normal conversation is about 60 decibels so if you are outside and still need to talk louder than normal, the party is too loud. If you wish to submit an application for a noise permit, you must do so with the Ames PD at least 24 hours in advance.
Helpful Links: City of Ames Ordinances and Iowa State's Student Code of Conduct
Party Smart Resources
- Transportation Options: to help you and your friends get home safely
- Signs of Alcohol Poisoning: Information for how to recognize the signs of alcohol poisoning and how to help someone in need
- How to Help a Friend: How to help a friend if they're showing signs of alcohol poisoning or if a friend/peer is showing signs of harmful drinking patterns or behaviors
- Harm Reduction Apps and Blood Alcohol Content Calculator: How to reduce your risk of alcohol-related consequences if you choose to drink
- Mixing Alcohol With Other Substances: Information on risks associated with mixing alcohol with other substances
- Resources: Campus, community and online resources you can connect with about alcohol use
- Request a Presentation: Request the "party smart" program from Student Wellness, Peer Wellness Educator team! It's a fun, interactive 60-minute program facilitated by students, for students. Request it for your class, student org or other groups
Credits:
Created with an image by Loryn - "techno music celebration"