5 tips for Labor Day weekend

As we head into Labor Day weekend, here are some tips and reminders.   

1. Review adjusted hours and closures 

Labor Day is a university holiday, and many buildings and offices on campus may be closed on Sept. 2. Review adjusted hours for Dining Services, the University Memorial Center and the Rec Center this weekend. 

2. Spend time outside 

Labor Day weekend is a popular time to enjoy outdoor activities. If you want to rent equipment for camping, backpacking, climbing or other activities, check out Outdoor Pursuits. If you plan to hike or visit parks, review these essential tips for hiking and tips for staying healthy in Colorado.   

Here are some other reminders:  

• Stay on the designated trail.  
• Be sure to follow all rules and regulations to protect visitors, wildlife and our beautiful parks and trails.  
• Pick up all trash and dog waste.   
• Be respectful to those around you who are also enjoying time in nature.   
• Pay close attention to fire restrictions and bans (including bans on smoking cigarettes and marijuana) that may be in place in the Boulder area and throughout the state. This time of year can be high risk for wildfires in Colorado.  

Get important trail information and regulations for the Boulder area by downloading the Trails App, visiting the city's Open Space and Mountain Parks page and the county's Open Space Parks & Trails Listing page.  

3. Stay safe at parties 

You may choose to spend the long weekend out late with friends or at parties, but it’s important to remember that not everyone drinks alcohol or uses substances.  

If you choose to use alcohol or other drugs, here are some things to consider:  

• Surround yourself with people you know and trust and look out for each other.  
• Eat before going out and continue eating food and drinking water throughout the night.  
• Set limits and stick to them. This can include the number of drinks you consume, the number of parties you attend, etc.  
• Plan how to get home safely (e.g., walking, public transit, Uber/Lyft, CU NightRide, etc.). 
• Drink at your own pace. Avoid trying to keep up with someone else. If you feel pressured to keep drinking, consider filling your cup with water to avoid unwanted refills.  
• Know how much one serving of alcohol is: 1.5 ounces of hard liquor (one shot), 5 ounces of wine and 12 ounces of beer (one standard bottle or can). Solo cups can be deceiving.  
• Avoid mixing prescription or illicit drugs with alcohol, which can increase your chances of an accidental overdose.   
• Watch for signs of alcohol poisoning or overdose. If someone has passed out or is unresponsive, has slowed or stopped breathing, vomits while passed out, involuntarily poops or pees, feels clammy or cool, has pinpoint (small) pupils or is making gurgling or wheezing sounds, call 911 for help right away. Students who call for help in alcohol- or drug-related emergencies may be protected under CU Boulder’s Amnesty Policy and the 911 Good Samaritan Law in Colorado.  
• If someone is experiencing potential alcohol poisoning or an overdose, put them in the recovery position by laying them on their side, using their arm to stabilize their body. If available administer naloxone, even if you are not sure if the person is overdosing. 
• Check out this article for more tips on how to party smarter.  

4. Avoid getting a ticket  

Common citations that students living off campus get are for noise, trash or a nuisance party ticket. You can get a ticket at any time of the day or night for excessive noise or for having loose trash on your property.   

A nuisance party ticket is issued when a residence hosts a gathering that violates Boulder ordinances. Violations may include unreasonable noise, underage drinking, brawling, public urination, littering or trash, etc. A ticket can be issued to the residence even if it's guests who are being disruptive.   

If you plan on hosting a gathering, lower your chances of receiving a ticket by completing an orientation and registering your party with Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations. If a neighbor makes a noise complaint about your address, you'll get a 20-minute warning to shut down the party before police are dispatched to your home.  

5. Don't set off fireworks 

Fireworks are illegal in the city of Boulder. Fireworks not only pose a significant fire risk, but they also can cause noise disruption to your neighbors and our community.  

Boulder laws prohibit all fireworks, including items like sparklers, snaps, snakes, bottle rockets, Roman candles and smoke bombs, in addition to fireworks that leave the ground or explode. Possible legal penalties include:  

• Fines up to $2,650.  
• Court fees.  
• Possible arson charges.  
• Possible jail time.  
• Liability for property or personal injury damages.  

You will also be referred to Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution.   

Even if you don't possess or discharge fireworks, you may be held responsible for fireworks used by roommates and guests. Unused fireworks can be brought to the city of Boulder Public Safety Building at 1805 33rd St. without penalty.   

If you have any questions about city ordinances, reach out to Student Legal Services or Off-Campus Housing & Neighborhood Relations.