Spring break is a great time for students to unwind and take a break from their studies but it’s the worst time to take a break from safety. Here are a few precautions to ensure you have a fun and safe vacation.
- Arrive Safely. If you are taking a long road trip, rotate drivers and ensure at least two people are always awake. Consider using a service such as AAA in case you have vehicle problems. Never drink and drive!
- Stay Safe. Book a hotel as close to where you will be spending the most time, preferably within walking distance. Request a room between the 2nd and 5th floors. Keep the room door locked at all times. Use a portable door stop alarm to alert you if someone tries to break in. Secure money and important or valuable items in the hotel safe. Take the hotel business card with you when going out to give to the cab driver, especially if you do not speak the local language.
- Safe Sharing. Sharing too much about your location on social media may endanger your personal safety according to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network. Adjust your privacy settings on your devices and save your photos to share after you return.
- Out and About. Always walk and talk with confidence. Don’t be an easy target! There is strength in numbers so stay in groups. Pickpockets and predators target isolated subjects. Use the Buddy System and look out for each other. Establish a place to meet if you get separated. New acquaintances are not part of your Buddy Group! Don’t leave your group with someone you just met and never allow yourself to be taken to an isolated location.
- Party Safely. Even if you are not driving, select a Guard Dog for your group who will drink minimally and watch out for everyone. Don’t leave your drink unattended and do not accept a drink unless you have seen it being poured. Drinks being spiked with drugs are not uncommon in party environments. A good option is SWIGSAFE™, a cup designed to prevent binge drinking and drink tampering.
- Beach Safety. Never swim alone. Be aware of the water conditions where you are swimming. A riptide or undertow can pull you very rapidly away from shore. If you are caught in one, swim parallel to the beach and not against the tide. Be sure to use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more. Stay hydrated. Alcoholic beverages do not count, and the effects can be amplified by heat.
- Secure your Money. Only carry small amounts of cash and keep it in an inner front pocket. If you must go to an ATM, don’t go alone. It is best to use credit cards and travelers checks as much as possible. Keep a copy of your credit cards, ID’s and important phone numbers secured in your hotel room.
- Awareness. Always be aware of your surroundings. Plan where you are going and what you will be doing. Know who you are with. It’s great to meet new people but you never know who has innocent or dangerous intentions. COBRA self-defense training can help you utilize personal protection skills and give you the confidence and training you need to stay safe in these environments.