You may have noticed the first signs of spring around campus. This week, we observed “spring forward” with daylight saving time, and that means it is almost Spring Break!
Spring Break offers us a time to relax and step away from our studies and to-do lists. It can be a time to make great memories with friends and family and spend time outside. Here are a few tips to make sure you stay safe and thrive!
Before Leaving: Protect your belongings.
- Lock up your living space and other valuables.
- Share your travel information with friends and/or family.
- Avoid ordering packages or consider rescheduling any package deliveries while away.
Spending Time Outside: Practice sun safety.
- If you are hiking in the mountains or heading to the beach, always use sunscreen and lip balm with at least SPF 30 and reapply often.
- Protect your eyes with sunglasses.
- Drink extra water. Sun exposure and higher altitudes dehydrate your body more quickly.
Traveling: Always stay alert.
- Don’t drive while intoxicated or tired.
- Trade drivers often, or plan rest breaks along your trip.
- Distracted driving is dangerous and, in some states, illegal. Put your phone away if you’re behind the wheel. Let someone else be in charge of the music or respond to texts.
- Safeguard medications, passports, credit cards and cash.
- Research your destination – local laws, nearest hospital/urgent care, ATM’s, etc.
Alcohol Use: Reduce your risk.
- Socialize without consuming alcohol.
- Hydrate with water to avoid heat exhaustion.
- Check in with friends regularly.
- Recognize when someone’s in trouble and step up to help.
- Call 911 if you need help to safely handle a situation.
- If you choose to drink:
- Keep track of the number of drinks you consume.
- Alternate with water.
- Eat before and during drinking.
- Watch your drink being poured and keep it with you at all times; use a lid if you can.
- Know how to recognize a spiked drink.
- Choose not to play drinking games.
- Don’t pressure others to drink.
Personal Safety: Make a plan and stick to it.
- Never leave a friend behind.
- Go with a group, don’t go alone.
- Share a safe ride home with a sober driver.
- If using a rideshare, Stop Ask Match Inform.
- Let friends know you got home safely.
- Use the safety timer in the RAVE Guardian app.
Always prioritize your safety and well-being. Enjoy your time off. Be mindful of your surroundings. Make memories that will make you and your Clemson Family proud.
Check out the Celebrate Safely webpage for more information.