Spring break will take place Monday through Friday, March 24-28. Each year, college students flock to sandy beaches, warm waters, and tropical destinations to take a break from their studies and enjoy time with friends and family.

While spring break offers the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and create lasting memories, it can also bring safety risks, including muggings, drunk driving, and alcohol poisoning. To ensure your spring break is memorable for all the right reasons, follow these safety tips to help protect yourself, your friends, and others.

This annual tradition can also lead to increased safety risks such as muggings, drunk driving and alcohol poisoning. To ensure your spring break is memorable in positive ways, help yourself, your friends and others stay safe and healthy with these tips.

Leaving and Returning to Your College Residence

• Lock all doors and windows before leaving.
• Unplug unnecessary electronics to prevent fire hazards.
• Set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature to avoid freezing pipes.
• Use timers for lights to make your residence look occupied.
• Notify a trusted friend or roommate of your travel plans.
• Check University Housing policies if living on campus.

Vehicle Preparation

• Have your car checked on campus during the Car Check Event on Friday, March 21, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. This event is sponsored by UAPD, Transit and Parking, and The Grease Pig and will be held in Lot 232 just off MLK Boulevard.  
• Check your fluids (oil, brake fluid, coolant, wiper fluid).
• Inspect tires for proper inflation and tread wear.
• Test your battery and headlights.
• Keep at least a quarter tank of gas at all times.
• Pack an emergency kit which includes jumper cables, flashlight, first aid kit, bottled water and a blanket.

Driving Safety

• Plan your route and check traffic, weather and road conditions.
• Avoid driving drowsy — take breaks or switch drivers when needed.
• Be mindful of spring weather changes — storms can develop quickly.
• Avoid distractions like texting while driving.
• Keep your phone charged and have a backup charger.

Hotel Safety

• Always lock your door.
• Secure important belongings like passports and wallets in the safe.
• Make sure you know the hotel address so you can give it to the cab/Uber/Lyft driver.
• Do not tell new acquaintances your hotel room number.
• Protect your location! Sharing too much information about your whereabouts on social media can jeopardize your safety. Adjust your privacy settings and use caution when checking in on social media.

For Those 21 and Up (If you partake in alcohol)

• Use the buddy system. Never leave a party with a stranger, and establish a place to meet in advance if you get separated. If you do need to leave without your friends, give them details about where you are going and when to expect you.
• Create a code word. This code word will alert your friends that you need help.
• Take turns so that one friend in the group per night will plan on minimal drinking to look out for everyone else.  
• Always watch your cup or glass. Never leave drinks unattended.
• Only accept drinks that you watched be made or poured in front of you.
• Never drink in a hot tub — alcohol can dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure to dangerous levels. The effects of drinking are felt faster and stronger if you are sitting in a hot tub.

Beach Safety

• Know the water conditions — check the beach for warning flags.
• Only swim in designated areas and by a lifeguard.
• Never swim alone.
• Be aware of rip currents, which are strong currents that flow away from shore.
• Use adequate sun protection. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, but most dermatologists recommend SPF 50 or higher.
• To avoid dehydration, drink plenty of water.
• Be aware of others.

General Safety Tips

• Stay in groups and look out for one another.
• Trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, leave.
• If you need help, ask for it. Do not rely on a bystander to call for help.
• Have emergency contact numbers saved in your phone.

Please stay safe and enjoy your break!