Spring Break Safety
By: Emily Young MA ‘16
Spring Break is just around the corner and so are the possible dangers that come with it. Take the time now to become better informed about the helpful resources on campus and some savvy safety tips to ensure you have the best spring break possible.
BEFORE YOU LEAVE
If You’re Leaving, Lock It!
Never leave valuable items visible. There’s no need to give burglars incentive. Lock up valuables or take them with you. Be cognitive of who will be in your apartment/dorm when you are gone. If you cannot lock your door, (i.e. your roommate is not leaving for spring break at the same time as you) take valuables with you. Although you may trust your roommate, you may not know all of their friends.
Tips:
Let your roommates/neighbors know you’re leaving (and when you’re coming back).
Take advantage of friends and acquaintances that will be home when you’re not. They can keep an eye on your place.
Park Your Car in a Safe Location
Did you know DPS provides complimentary secure parking over the break? If you’re planning on leaving for spring break, get your car off the street. This prevents car break-ins and, as an added bonus, you won’t have to worry about any street cleaning tickets.
Tips:
Make sure all valuables are hidden and out of sight, and that if you are leaving your keys at home, you leave them in a locked and secure location.
TRAVEL SAFELY
Driving
When you think about spring break safety tips, the first thing that may come to mind is….yes, Mom, I know about stranger danger. Actually, according to ABC7 one of the biggest hazards is driving to and from your destination. There are countless accidents due to rushing to or from your vacation destination. Arriving a couple hours early is not worth the risk.
Tips:
Check oil, fluids, tires, etc. ahead of time.
Take turns behind the wheel.
Whoever sits shotgun should stay awake to keep the driver alert.
Make sure everyone has a valid driver’s license and the vehicle registration and proof of insurance are in the car before driving off.
Print directions. These days everyone relies on their phones for navigation, but some places service isn’t strong, so it is good to have a backup.
Public Transportation
If you’re looking to get to the airport from USC Department of Public Safety can help you with that. Here are some other great tips for public transportation.
Tips:
Before leaving your hotel, take a card from the front desk with the name of the hotel, phone number, and address, just in case you need help getting back. Also, put this information in your phone to be extra sure you have it. (This is especially helpful in foreign countries….trust me, I’ve used it)
Stay alert during any taxi, Uber, Lyft, etc. rides. Follow along on Google maps or Waze to ensure they are taking you the right direction.
Never get in a car with someone you suspect is intoxicated. There is always a safer alternative.
Crammed conditions on public transportation can often be an ideal place for pickpockets to strike, so be aware of your belongings.
ON VACATION
At the Hotel
Wooooo! You made it to the hotel. Spring break officially begins! ….Not so fast. Once again, now that you and your valuables have arrived, you need to lock them up. Almost all hotels offer safes. Use them for extra money, iPads, jewelry, laptops, passport, etc. Also, when you get to your room, check that all of the window and door locks are secure and check for bedbugs.
Other Tips:
No one outside of your group of friends needs to know your exact location.
Make a mental note of how to get back to your room and where the nearest fire exits and stairwells are located.
Close your door tightly when entering or leaving your room. Some doors have a slow release and could remain open after you leave.
Sun Protection
Don’t ruin your trip by getting burnt on the first day. Sunburn can be extremely painful and even dangerous if you get second-degree burns and blisters. Do yourself a favor and come back to campus looking tan, not burnt.
Tips:
Use waterproof sunscreen at least SPF 30 and reapply often. Pay extra special attention to ears, nose, face, feet, and shoulders.
Avoid major sun exposure during the hours when UV rays are the most intense (between 10 am and 4 pm).
Remember you can burn even when it’s cloudy.
Wear sunglasses or a hat to protect your eyes.
Drinking
Every year there are reports of how spring break binge drinking has lead to injury, sexual assault, and even death. If you’re thinking, “oh, this can’t happen to me,” well it can, and it has.
As a part of the Trojan Family it is our responsibly to make sure there is never a headline like this again by being informed, thinking about the consequences before drinking, and using a group support system.
Important Tips You May Not Know About Drinking:
Don’t fall into the hype about the spring break drinking or hook-up culture. Many students have plenty of fun over spring break without doing either of those activities.
Drinking + sun can equal a bad sunburn and an even worse hangover. Sun can maximize the effects of alcohol, so keep this in mind when you party poolside or at the beach.
Although partying with other college aged kids implies a level of safety, always leave the party with the same people you came with.
As much as you may want to look lean/ripped with your shirt off, please eat before drinking. Those bowls of snack mix aren’t much substance to go on.
Drinking in a hot tub is dangerous because alcohol can dilate the blood vessels and lower blood pressure to dangerous levels. The effects of alcohol are felt sooner and stronger in a hot tub. It can lead to unconsciousness and drowning.
Do not swim intoxicated/buzzed in any natural body of water. You can’t always tell how deep the water is.
Forgetting Class Concepts While Away
After a week away, know that the first week back at school is going to hit you hard. Try and allocate some time to make sure all your assignments are done and to maybe crack open a textbook to ensure you finish the semester as strong as you started it.
Tips:
Ask professors about projects listed over spring break or due directly after to get a head start.
Plan structured down time from your vacation.
Comment with any questions or additional spring break tips below. Have a fun, safe, spring break Trojans!
~Emily
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