Keep the Fun in Spring Break With These General Safety Tips

Spring is in the air and a break is welcomed by all. Whether choosing to have fun in the sun, skiing down a mountain slope, choosing an alternative volunteer project, or just relaxing at home, it is hoped that students will also have a safe break this spring. To ensure a fun, yet safe spring break, please talk to your students about these safety strategies.

General Travel Safety - Plan ahead for a safer trip.

• Map out your journey ahead of time. Stay on well-traveled paths and avoid isolated areas when traveling.
• Use the buddy system wherever you are. There is safety in numbers.
• Let someone know your itinerary and periodically check in with them.
• Minimize the number of credit cards you take with you. Consider carrying Traveler's Checks rather than large sums of cash.
• Obey speed limits and state driving laws.
• Wear your seatbelt.

Hotel/Motel Safety - Use some common sense with regards to your hotel/motel stay:

• Lock your door!
• Look through the peephole before answering the door and never open the door to strangers. If someone claims to be hotel staff, then call the front desk to verify if a staff member should be at your door.
• Don't leave valuables lying about in your room. Many hotels provide safes within the rooms that are easy to use for securing your valuables.
• Do not climb or sit on balcony rails. Just one slip can result in a fatal accident.
• Use the buddy system when coming and going from your room, especially late at night.

Sex and Violence - Reduce personal risk and watch out for each:

• If choosing to engage in sexual activity, think about potential health risks and how to avoid them. Use of latex condoms can help prevent pregnancy, as well as disease.
• Mixing alcohol with sexual activity is a dangerous combination. Avoid excessive drinking. Never take advantage of someone who is intoxicated. If you see someone is under the influence, don't let them go off with someone else to an isolated place. You may prevent someone from being a victim of rape or prevent someone from being a perpetrator of rape.
• Be aware of "rape" drugs. Never leave your drink unattended. If you do, then discard it. Never accept drinks in unopened containers. Don't consume beverages from communal punch bowls or water coolers.

Alcohol - Know your limits, know the dangers:

• Decide in advance what your limit is when drinking and don't over drink.
• Plan your refusal strategy. Think about how you will refuse drinks if you do not drink or if you have reached your limit.
• If you drink, do not drive. Use a designated driver or use public transportation.
• Do not choose to drink if you are using any medications. Even over-the-counter medications can result in fatal accidents when combined with alcohol.
• Watch over friends who foolishly drank too much. Excessive drinking can lead to fatal accidents and alcohol poisoning.

Fun in the Sun - Protect your skin whether on the beach, on the slopes, or just in your backyard at home.

• Limit your sun exposure. Especially avoid sun exposure during the hottest times of the day.
• Remember, you can get sunburn even when it's cloudy.
• Apply sunscreen with a minimum of 15 SPF (sun protection factor). Don't forget to apply it around the ears, neck, face, and nose. It's also good to make sure that the shoulders are well protected with lots of sunscreen.
• Use a lip balm with SPF to protect lips from sun exposure.
• Reapply sunscreen after swimming or sweating.
• Wear protective clothing, a hat, and sunglasses to help limit sun exposure.
• Remember to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water. Limit drinking alcohol, which dehydrates the body.

The Pat Walker Health Center often provides outreach activities promoting safe spring break fun. Watch for these safer spring break activities held on campus prior to Spring Break or become a fan of the Pat Walker Health Center Facebook page and view event announcements when they are made.