8 Tips to Stay Safe on Spring Break
Spring Break is almost here! Whether you are college student striking out on a great adventure or a parent making plans for your family, it is an exciting time. Who doesn’t love a good vacation?
In all that planning and excitement, it can be easy to forget or overlook even the simplest safety precautions. Here are 8 tips to help keep you safe while you vacation
Leave Social Media Out of It
When it comes to sharing vacation memories on Facebook, Instagram and other social media platforms, it is best to wait. Share those memories when they are memories. Sharing too much about your plans or current location advertises your when your home is empty and can threaten your safety while traveling.
While you are thinking of social media, go ahead and check your privacy settings. Make sure you know which posts and what information you are sharing publicly versus only with friends.
Bring a Friend
Traveling with a group is a lot of fun. In addition to creating great memories, traveling with a group means safety in numbers. But it’s not enough to travel to your destination with a group. You should do your best to avoid being alone in an area you are not familiar with. This is especially true at nights or when visiting an ATM. Being alone makes you more vulnerable and an easier target.
If you must walk alone, be aware of your surroundings and have a plan. Know what you will do and where you will go if you see a potential attacker. Be sure to carry your Pee Pistol somewhere you can easily access it if you need to defend yourself.
In Case of Emergency
Decide on a few emergency contacts and write those phone numbers down. Carry them with you in your wallet with your ID. This way, if your phone is lost, stolen or has a dead battery, you will still be able to call for help. Having these phone numbers with your ID will also make it easier for rescuers to know who to call on your behalf. You can also set up an ICE (In Case of Emergency) app on your phone.
If you are traveling internationally, remember that 9-1-1 isn’t universal. Make sure you know the emergency response number for anywhere you plan to travel.
Be Safe In and Around Water
The majority of deaths during recreational activities in the water involve alcohol. You should never drink and swim. When possible, swim where there is a life guard on duty and heed all posted warnings.
If you plan to visit the ocean, respect all marine wildlife. While sharks are the common fear, sea lions and other marine wildlife can harm or kill humans if provoked. Watch for rip current and rip tides. If you don’t know how to identify these, check with a lifeguard. Lifeguards would rather teach you to avoid them than rescue you from one.
Trust Your Instincts
We could dedicate an entire thesis to the psychological reasons for this, but here’s the short version. Our brains are trained to filter and sort information. If something feels “off,” you probably heard or saw something to cause that feeling. You may not be able to identify the exact cause, but your brain processed that input and told you “danger.” Respect the warning and change your situation.
Be Prepared
When you are in a new place, you can’t possibly know what to expect at all times. Be prepared for anything. Before heading out, think through your plans and any scenarios where things may not go as planned.
Carry a little extra cash in case your taxi is stuck in traffic and runs a higher fare than you expected. Keep a water bottle handy in case you are stuck outside in the heat longer than you planned. Have your Pee Pistol somewhere you can use it quickly and easily if the need arises. Know who to call if you are running late or get lost.
Stay Hydrated
With all the excitement and activity, it is easy to forget to drink plenty of water. Spring Break travel often means warmer climates, physical activity and longs days in the sun. All of these call for extra hydration. Whether you are going for a hike or spending the day at the beach, bring more water than you think you need. And remember to drink it!
If you are consuming alcohol during your travels, water is your friend. Alcohol has a diuretic effect that can enhance the effects of over consumption. Increased alcohol consumption should always be accompanied by increased water consumption. Go ahead and order a glass of water with your next round of drinks. You’ll thank us in the morning.
Order an Extra Pee Pistol
Each Pee Pistol offers 2 ounces of natural, powerful self defense, making it a useful tool to disarm and disorient an attacker. Packing an extra Pee Pistol means you will have a back up in case yours is lost or a refill in case you have to use the first one. You can also lend your extra Pee Pistol to your travel companion while you are out exploring and making memories.
Order Your Pee Pistol Now
Add “Order a Pee Pistol” to your Spring Break planning list. Better yet, order your Pee Pistol online today. By ordering now, you can check an item off your to-do list and ensure your Pee Pistol will be on hand when you start packing for your Spring Break vacation.