Tips For A Safe Spring Break

Spring Break Safety Tips:

• 1. If you drink, know your limit and plan for a designated driver. Binge drinking can lead to alcohol poisoning, which can be fatal. It also increases the risk of car crashes, sexual assaults and arrests.
• 2. Use a buddy system. Don't go anywhere alone. Even during group outings, you should always have someone assigned to you and vice versa and keep each other in sight. Time can be critical and the embarrassment of your friends barging in on you to check is better than them not barging in if you're in trouble.
• 3. Make sure someone at home has all your trip information, including hotel phone and room numbers, flight numbers and times and the date you're going and returning. If anything changes, let them know. Call that person everyday so if they don't hear from you, they can start the hunt sooner rather than later.
• 4. If you don't have one, buy or borrow a cell phone or get a pre-paid one. It's worth the extra cash to have it in case of emergency.
• 5. If you're taking magazines to read on the plane, bus or train, tear off your address label. Otherwise strangers now know you're not at home and where you live.
• 6. Don't have your name and address on your luggage visible for the same reason. It's best to use a company address if possible.
• 7. Beware of pickpockets who like to work in crowds. They bump into you and take your wallet or cash without you noticing. Increase your changes by putting money in several different areas (front pockets, shoe, bra, etc). Pickpockets often work in teams. One person distracts you, while the other grabs your wallet.
• 8. Never leave a crowded area like hotel, bar or beach with someone you just met. No matter how innocent they seem, keep your buddy with you. If you don't have a buddy, stay where it's public.
• 9. Never leave your drink unattended (all drinks, even non-alcoholic). If you've been away from it, don't drink it. It's too easy for someone to slip a drug in it. Likewise, don't accept drinks from people you don't know.
• 10. At the hotel, make sure your door is locked and know where the emergency exits are. Don't climb, sit or stand on railings or balconies.
• 11. Always walk, talk, sit and act with confidence. Avoid looking like you're lost or could be easy prey.
• 12. Use common sense. Don't walk in isolated areas or fall for people who claim to need your help or directions. They can get both from a taxi driver or hotel concierge; they don't need to get it from you.