Spring Break Safety
Spring Break is next week. Knowing that many of our Deacs will be traveling, this is a good time to offer a reminder about spring break safety.
General info: the web site safespringbreak.org has a long list of things to consider for your safety.
Personal safety: the parenting web site Sheknows.com offers some good guidelines, covering topics such as:
“Stick with friends you know and trust. Never go out alone or leave a safe place with strangers. Even if you meet people or locals on your trip and they seem friendly, they might not have the best intentions. While indoors, also be careful of going into closed spaces such as elevators and stairwells by yourself.
Be a stranger. Don’t give out personal information, or tell strangers what hotel you’re staying in or where you’re going.
Drink responsibly. If you consume alcohol, make sure you get your drinks directly from the bartender or a person you know and trust. Don’t leave your drinks unattended.
Go with your gut. Be aware of your surroundings. If you feel like something is amiss, trust your instincts. If you’re being followed, the Office of International Education at the University of Richmond suggests, “Step into a store or other safe place and wait to see if the person you think is following has passed. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to ask someone to double-check for you to see if all is safe. Display confidence. By looking and acting as if you know where you’re going, you may be able to ward off some potential danger.”
Lock up. When going to the beach or pool, leave important valuables and documents (especially your passport) in your hotel’s safe deposit box, not in your room.
Stay safe in your hotel room. A spring break safety tip sheet from Longwood University recommends the following: “Ensure there is a peep hole in the door and that the dead bolt and other locks are in good working order. Never open your door to anyone you do not know. If the person states they work for the hotel, call the front desk and confirm this before allowing them entry.”
Choose transportation wisely. Use recommended shuttle services or buses to get around. Only use reputable, licensed taxi services.”
I always like to add a reminder about using sunscreen if you are going to a warm and beachy destination. No one needs a bad sunburn (either for its short- or long-term effects). Also, for our seniors living off campus – if you are planning to leave for break, it is a good idea to take your valuables (cash, jewelry, electronics, etc.) with you when you go. If you are living in an area where there are a lot of houses rented by WFU students and those houses are all unoccupied for break, that could be a tempting target for burglars.
Transportation and Parking Services has provided information about parking over spring break.
Finally, a reminder that not everyone leaves campus for spring break. If your Deac is staying here, he or she should take note of which dining venues are open or closed next week by looking at https://www.deacondining.com/ and plan meals accordingly.
Power through those midterms, students! Relief is coming this weekend!