Safe Spring Break

Many Fraters will be heading to some warm location away from the stresses of school for a week. It is a good time to recharge your batteries and gear up for a hard push toward the end of the year. Spring Break is coming soon and TKE wants to be sure you are prepared to have a safe, fun time.

If you driving to a destination, be sure you have a plan in place to divvy up responsibilities. A few things to remember before you leave:

1. Make sure everyone has a valid driver’s license and the vehicle registration is in the car (seems like common sense, but it could be in the "other jacket").
2. If a passport is needed, be sure that is with you before you take off.
3. Determine how you will take turns driving or who will be in charge of keeping the driver awake.

The hotel will be your base camp for a week, so be sure it is safe and easily accessible to everyone.

1. When you get to the front desk, request a room between floors two and six. Sounds like a strange request, but the first floor is easier for thefts and above the sixth it is difficult for emergency personnel to access should a problem exist.
2. If safes are in the room - use them. While we are trusting society, not everyone holds the same principles as you. Place all valuables and extra money in the safe.
3. Keep doors and sliding doors locked. Only allow entrance to those you know.
4. Take a look at where the emergency exits and stairs are in case of emergency. While the event is unlikely, it is best to be prepared for the unknown.

If you are in need of cash, go to an ATM during the day. 

1. Take a look around to scan for shady individuals hanging around the cash machine. If you feel uncomfortable, leave. There are plenty of machines in a spring break destination.
2. Travel with a group to the ATM. Being alone in an unfamiliar area is bad idea anyway, but not having someone at a cash machine is asking for trouble. 
3. When keying your pin number, use your other hand to cover the keypad. There is no need to take any chances - once again if you feel uncomfortable, walk away.

Responsibility is a necessity. While everyone wants to have a good time, going too far can be dangerous.

1. If you choose to drink, pace yourself and avoid drinks if you don't know what is in them.
2. Know the laws around you. Some vacation spots have stricter penalties for alcohol violations to protect everyone.
3. DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES DRINK & DRIVE.

If you are heading to a sunny and warmer spot, there are a few dangers to avoid making the trip a bad experience.

1. If you choose to drink, the sun can enhance your intoxication and lead you to horrible sunburn.
2. Be sure you use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher. The difficult spots to be sure you are covering are ears, nose, face, shoulders and on top of your head. Wearing a hat can help, but sunscreen is your best defense.
3. Just because it's cloudy doesn't mean you can ditch the sunscreen. Most people get their worst burns because they think only the sunniest days are when the lotion is needed.

Swim with care. Even the most experienced swimmers can have issues, so don't put yourself in danger by thinking you are Michael Phelps.

1. Check to see if there is a lifeguard on duty. Whether it is a pool, lake or ocean, avoid places without a lifeguard.
2. If in the ocean, rip currents and undertows can make you panic. These try to pull you under water or further out to sea, so remember to swim parallel to where you are getting pulled as opposed to opposite. It will eventually pass, but panicking must be avoided.
3. Know the flag system employed at most beaches: Red means stay out of the water. Yellow means use caution because undertow and riptides are possible. Blue means calm water and swim safely.

You will most likely go out while on vacation. Being safe means going out with your friends and going home with them.

1. You need to keep a lookout for each other. Even if you are a big weightlifter or master in martial arts, situations can arise in unfamiliar places. By having a good group together, you can avoid these issues.
2. Be on the lookout for signs of predatory drugs: extreme wooziness, confusion, difficulty standing and slurring speech. Just because you are male does not mean people won’t try to take advantage of you. If you notice these symptoms in yourself, find your friends immediately. If you see these signs in a friend, do your friend duty and take them back to the hotel, or to a hospital if symptoms are severe.

This listing could go on forever, but the main thing to remember is common sense goes a long way. Don't do anything you wouldn’t do at home. Don't do anything you wouldn't do in front of your parents or employers. Have a fun, relaxing and safe Spring Break so you can return for an excellent end to the semester.

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