Staying Safe During Spring Break
Spring break is a time for fun and friends but breaking for a little fun in the sun shouldn’t mean a break from common sense. Every year thousand of college “spring breakers” voyage off to popular hot spots where they will begin their spring break journey. They leave expecting to come back with wonderful memories about their experiences but unfortunately, not everyone will come back with a great story to tell. A multitude of crimes occur during the spring break season, from robberies and rapes, to assaults and other violent crimes. The combination of the spring break atmosphere, tourists’ unsuspecting attitudes, good weather, and drinking does not help when it comes to crime. Truth be told, tourists attract criminals because of their lack of knowledge about their surroundings. The National Crime Prevention Council offers these safety tips to help keep the spring in students’ steps for a safe and fun spring break experience.
Plan Ahead
- Plan your trip. Make sure someone at home knows where you are going and how they can contact you.
- Travel with friends. There is safety in numbers.
- Always lock your car doors. Keep valuables out of sight, preferably in the trunk of your car.
- Never pick up hitchhikers.
- Park in well-lighted areas and close to the building.
Checking In
- Use all hotel locks and other security devices, even when you’re in your room.
- Store valuables in the room safe or in the facility’s main safe.
- Don’t tell strangers the name of your hotel, your room number, or other personal information.
- Guard your room keys. Don’t leave them unattended or visible at restaurants, the pool, or clubs.
- Don’t open your door to strangers. Use the peep hole before opening the door.
Out On the Town
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Take only the cash you need in your purse or wallet.
- Limit the number of credit cards you carry. Bring only the necessary credit card(s) with you.
- Women should keep purses closed and snuggled tightly against the body.
- Men should keep wallets in a front pants pocket or coat pocket.
- Stick to well-lighted, well-traveled streets.
- If you feel threatened, get away and call for help, or try to go to a crowded place.
- Always let someone know where you are going, who you are with, and when you will return.
- Avoid going off with strangers, and always use the buddy system.
- Avoid using alcohol and other drugs. Impaired judgment can put you in potentially dangerous situations.
This information is provided by the National Crime Prevention Council and AlertID. To learn more about AlertID, please visit www.AlertID.com.