Spring Break safety tips
| Nothing ruins your Spring Break fun like getting sick, injured or arrested. Follow these tips for a safe Spring Break. | |
| Alcohol/drugs The legal drinking age in all 50 states is 21. There are significant criminal penalties for underage possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages, depending on the jurisdiction. There are also severe criminal penalties for the illegal possession and/or use of fake identifications. Generally, in heavily visited Spring Break areas, police set up sting operations to capture fake ID. Buying, possessing, or using most drugs is illegal. Drugs can affect you both physically and mentally in unexpected ways. Taking any drug is a risky move, especially if you are mixing drugs and alcohol. Partying If a member of your group passes out, turn them on their side to prevent choking and call 911 immediately. Don't drink and drive. Before you go out, designate a non-drinking driver. Remember to buckle up! Watch out for your drink and never accept an open drink from someone you don't know. If you have to leave your drink for any time, ensure you leave it with someone responsible who will watch it to ensure it doesn't get spiked with one of the easily obtained "date-rape" drugs, such as GHB, Ketamine, or Rophynol. |
Personal
safety Travel with someone you know and trust, and preferably with a larger group. Never allow members of your party to leave alone with strangers. Always travel in well-lighted areas. Don't carry all of your credit or bank cards in your wallet or purse. Carry the minimum amount of cash that you will need, including a little backup. Traveler's checks are your best bet when on vacation. If you have extra cash, leave it in your hotel room, hidden from sight. Make sure your friends and relatives know where you will be vacationing, when you will depart, and when you expect to return. Call friends or family members to let then know that you have arrived and returned safely. If you are robbed, don't resist - give up any money, jewelry, or other valuables. Call police as soon as you can. Don't horseplay or climb on balconies. Never sit on railings and always keep both feet on the floor at all times. Falls from balconies, even those on lower floors, can be fatal. Don't overcrowd elevators. Too much weight can cause a malfunction. Foreign travel Click here to check U.S. Department of State travel warnings and entry requirements before you visit a foreign country. |