As the semester drags on, as the winter weather seems unbearable, thoughts of Spring Break dance through the heads of collegiate scholars. Many will retreat to warmer weather, others will seek solace at home, but all will have a common goal: to take a break. But a break from classes and exams should not mean a break from safe choices and conscious actions. As students head out for a week of anything but school, they should keep a few things in mind.

           

Travel safely: drive, fly, boat, walk safely. If heading out to a foreign country, check on the safety tips for that particular area and if there are any travel advisories. Make copies of passports and insurance cards, do not carry all of your money or credit cards at one time and know how to terminate accounts in the event of theft or a misplaced wallet.

           

Consume safely: as always, when consuming alcohol, designate a driver or make plans for a bus or taxi before heading out for the night. Know your own limits as well as the limits of the people you are with, and know the whereabouts of everyone in your group. All inclusive resort or cruise packages may have unlimited food and beverages; resist the temptation to “get your money’s worth.�

           

Return safely: be accountable for friends and roommates, including those not traveling with you. Know where everyone is going, when and where they are leaving from and when they expect to return. Have an agreement that if their plans change, they will notify you and know how to contact family members if they are not back at a certain time.

           

Most importantly have an enjoyable spring break that will be remembered for the good times and not for mistakes made out of lack of concern for safety.

 

-Alysha, Student