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Spring Break Safety

by Betsy Chapman

In this Issue:

  • Emergency alert tests Feb. 25 and 26
  • Spring Break safety suggestions

Spring Break is coming up soon: March 10-14. Whether your Deac comes home, goes to a friend’s house, goes on a vacation, or stays on campus, we want them to have a fun – and safe – Spring Break! We have that and one more safety related message for you today.

Emergency alert tests Feb. 25 and 26

Wake Forest will test its emergency alert systems on Tuesday, Feb. 25 and Wednesday, Feb. 26 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. The tests are required to ensure that the University’s emergency notifications are operating properly.

No action is required by your students. Wake Forest police and the marketing and communications office will conduct the testing.

See full details at Wake Alert.

Spring Break safety suggestions

Here are some Spring Break safety tips that families might like to reinforce with their Deacs.

For students who might be traveling

  • Let a family member/loved one know your travel plans, including the name and location of your hotel/where you are staying, and your dates for arrival and departure.
  • Do not advertise your plans to be out of town on social media.
  • If you are driving, be sure to have your car checked/serviced prior to a long trip.
  • Take only one credit card and your debit card. Keep them on you at all times. Leave jewelry or other valuables at home.
  • Make copies of your credit cards in case they are lost. Include the phone number to call and cancel the cards if needed.
  • Carry your cell phone at all times and be sure it is fully charged.
  • Lock the doors to wherever you are staying and do not 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. You can find additional door lock options for hotel rooms on places like Amazon.com or your purveyor of choice.
  • Use a hotel safe or in-room safe for valuables.
  • Use the buddy system at your destination – don’t leave any friends behind, and don’t walk alone at night.
  • Always have enough money on your person to get back to your hotel/where you are staying.
  • Do not accept food or drinks from strangers. Even if you meet people who seem friendly, they may not have the best intentions. Never provide strangers with your hotel name/street address of where you are staying.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. If you feel like something is amiss, trust your instincts. If you think you are being followed, walk into a store, restaurant, business or other safe place and ask for help.
  • If you choose to drink alcohol, make sure you get drinks directly from a bartender or person you know and trust. Never leave your drink unattended.
  • Remember your medications (and sunscreen if you are going to a beach or warm area).
  • Use caution in snapping QR codes; some people are adding spam code over legitimate codes.

Special considerations for students who go abroad for Spring Break

  • Check the U.S. State Department travel advisories website for countries on their list.
  • Please review laws to the country(ies) to which you are traveling, as their laws could be more strict. This can include restrictions on the medications that are allowed to enter the country.
  • Make two copies of your passport in case it is lost. Include the phone number to call to report lost passports. Leave one copy with a family member or trusted friend not traveling with you.
  • Leave important valuables and documents (especially your passport) in your room safe/hotel safe deposit box, not in your room.
  • Arrive in a new country with a small amount of cash in the local currency. You do not want to stand out in a crowd trying to get change for a large bill.
  • Contact your cell provider in advance to get foreign country coverage; roaming charges for service can be VERY expensive.
  • Only use established taxis or ride services. Some countries allow anyone to act as a taxi with a sign. Ask how much it will cost to take you to your destination and settle on the price before getting in the car.
  • Do not allow anyone to take you to an unknown destination.
  • Find out how you contact police, hospitals, and make phone calls once you arrive in another country.
  • Remember not all countries have safety requirements or inspections for things such as Zip Lines and Parasailing.

For students who are staying on campus for Spring Break

  • Campus does not close for Spring Break, but we typically make adjustments to hours for dining, shuttles, and other campus operations, so students would be wise to plan ahead.
  • We will share Spring Break hours of operation closer to March.

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