Safety First for Spring Break Fun
Spring Break is almost upon us, and everyone is anticipating the time of their lives. Here are a few safety tips to carry along wherever you go.
Before you
head out on the road, do the car check. Belts, hoses, fluid levels, spare
tire and tires on the car, and if it is almost time for the oil change, go
on and do that too. You don't want to wind up walking.
Tools to pack: map, jumper cables, flash light, AAA card, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, cell phone, water and snacks just in case the car breaks down. You also might want to throw a blanket in, so if your car does break down, you can make a tent so you don’t have to sit in the hot sun.
Remember to have your car registration, proof of car insurance, health insurance card, drug card, and allergy bracelets. If you are on special medications, be sure you take the medications in the bottles they were prescribed in. If you have any other special health problems, be sure you have your doctor's contact information.
Always let your family and trusted friends know when you are leaving and when you plan to return. Be sure to inform them who you are going with and how you are traveling. Don't forget to exchange contact information too.
Do not have your name and address visible on your luggage. If you carry magazines, be sure the address label has been removed. If you have your baggage with you at a restaurant, be sure that you keep it between your legs, with one foot through the strap.
Beware of
pickpockets in the crowds. Have your possessions where it would be more
difficult for them to remove, and keep in mind that pickpockets work in groups.
If you are planning on clubbing, BRING YOUR ID. In most states, the legal age to purchase, consume, or possess alcoholic beverages is 21. Do not binge drink, as alcohol poisoning is very dangerous and can cause death.
DO NOT DRIVE IF YOU HAVE CONSUMED. Have a designated driver. If you obey the rules, it will keep you out of jail, which would not be fun at all.
ALWAYS HAVE A BUDDY SYSTEM. Never let any friend go off by themselves with someone they just met. Do not go anywhere by yourself. If you have been invited to a party, stay with your friends, and don’t allow yourself to become isolated from your friends. Don’t drink too much, and don’t walk alone.
DON'T ACCEPT OPEN DRINKS. You must keep your guard up at all times watching out for the “rape” drug. Always be sure you keep your drink covered.
Never leave your hotel/motel door unlocked. Always look through the peephole to see who is knocking at your door. Do not leave valuables in your room. Do not climb on balconies or sit on balcony edges.
You just can’t wait to get down to the beach to show off you new swimsuit that you have worked so hard to look good in. Guys, this includes you too, with all the hours you have spent at the fitness center working out. Don't forget the sunscreen, SPF UV 15 or higher! Just remember, tanning in a tanning bed is different than being on the beach or even up by the pool area. Be sure that you also protect your ears, nose, lips, shoulders, hands, elbows, and the tops and bottoms of your feet.
Be sure to have a hat, your sunglasses, and drink plenty of water. Put your water bottle in the freezer until almost completely frozen, and it will be cool to taste for quite sometime.
You need to be aware of heat stress symptoms:
SUNBURN – Redness, swelling, pain, blisters, fever, and headaches. Seek medical treatment for more severe cases. Ointments help mild sunburns.
CRAMPING – Occurs in legs and sometimes in the abdomen. Gentle massage may help. Sips of 1 teaspoon of salt mixed with 8 ounces of water may help, but if symptoms persist, see a doctor.
HEAT EXHAUSTION – Weak pulse, severe fatigue, and profuse sweating. The skin may feel cold and clammy and appear pale. Preferably a cool location for the one suffering, apply cool compresses. Fainting and vomiting are signs of greater severity. If this happens, seek medical attention immediately.
SUNSTROKE - Rapid, strong pulse, hot dry skin, very high temperature (106*). Get the person to a cool location, call 911 immediately, and apply cool, wet compresses. This can be fatal.
Do not swim
alone. If you are on the beach and want to go into the ocean, be sure to know
what the flag colors mean. Red: Stay Out of the Water. Yellow: Use
caution, some undertow and current. Blue: Calm waters
If you happen to get caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until clear.
Jellyfish can sting. If you get stung, seek your lifeguard. She/he will know what to do first aid wise.
Seek shelter immediately if there is a storm brewing in the viewing distance. Lightning can travel for miles. Get out of the water. Golfers, this applies to you too about getting off the golf course.
If the
waves look dangerous, more than likely they are.
Some beaches allow vehicles on the beach. Be very careful walking, or if you are driving, drive the speed limit.
Spring break is a time for everyone to have fun with friends. Keep in mind that you and your friends want to be able to talk about Spring Break 2006 for years to come. We at SEW HyP wish each of you a fun time.
Did you know if you eat yogurt every day for a week before you leave, it will help you avoid the dreaded Montezuma’s Revenge. Rushing to the Porta-Potty, now do you call that fun?
Special Note Worth Repeating: Never let your friends go off alone with anyone that is new to the circle of friends.
