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Have a fun and safe spring break!
Spring Break
Make your best SPRING BREAK by being responsible:
Below are some things to think about for Spring Break...
BEFORE YOU LEAVE
STEPS TO A WORRY FREE STAY
RETURNING HOME
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BEFORE YOU LEAVE
_________ Lock your home, car, and anything of value
_________ Remove anything of value from your car
_________ Put your lights on timers
_________ Take out the trash/recycling
_________ Put your mail on "hold" as well as any newspaper deliveries - US Postal Mail can be "held" by completing an online form at the USPS web site.
_________ Avoid posting trip times online: PROTECT YOUR STUFF. When people know you are gone, they might break in and steal your things because no one will be there to stop them.
_________ Up the settings on your facebook (or other social networking sites) to "friends only." Remember, the only way to really be sure no one knows when you aren't home is to not give specific dates and times on your facebook statuses or wallposts.
_________ Leave your heat ON! Everyone knows someone whose neighbors turned off their heat and had the pipes explode and ruin everything in the apartment building. Leave the heat on at least a little.
*If you are worried about pipes bursting, or other accidents happening to your place when you are away, check on getting renter's insurance. For more information on renter's insurance, check the Off Campus Student Services web site.
STEPS TO A WORRY FREE STAY
_______ Buy bottled water, cooked foods, or foods that can be peeled to avoid disease and keep well fed and hydrated.
______ Use the safe in your hotel or think of another secure location (NOT THE GLOVE BOX OF YOUR CAR) for your credit cards and drivers license when you are not using them. Keep the number of the reporting line for stolen credit cards with them if it is not written on the back of the card.
______ Identify safe and reliable transportation in the area. Ask the hotel you are staying at for a recommendation.
______ Always know where your hotel is from where you choose to explore.
______ When partying with new friends, make sure the people you came with know where you are at all times. Charged cell phones, advanced plans for meeting up, and sticking together prevent a friend from getting lost in a crowd. It's easy to remember: PHONE, PLAN, PACK.
_____ Tourist cities rely on keeping visitors safe. If you see something that makes you uncomfortable, tell the bartending, restaurant manager, nearby police, or official.
_____ Plan a budget for each day. You do not want to run out of gas money when you are driving home!
_____ Remember the signs of alcohol poisoning: Collapse, cannot be woken up by shouting or prodding, clammy skin, or 10 seconds between breaths. Find help right away if you see these signs in individuals whether you know them or not.
_____ Reapply sunscreen if you are relaxing in a sunny place. Many vacations have been ruined by people getting too burnt the first day of Spring Break.
_____ If you choose to get sexually involved with a Spring Break Sweetheart, take a few seconds to ask consent. No means no. Yes when you or the person is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs also means no, legally. What you do is up to you, but practicing a bit of caution may help prevent mistakes made during Spring Break from following you home.
RETURNING HOME
______ Check your housing, car, and belongings to make sure no damage has been done to them.
_____ Restart your mail, or pick it up from your neighbor if you asked them to collect it.
_____ Review your expenses from your week, set up a financial appointment at Student Wellness if you see that you need some help with the expenses from this year or to set up a fund for next year's vacation.
______ Join the Condom Club to restock on condoms.
______ Go to the grocery store to stock up on healthy, nutritious food. Wondering what to buy? Look on our website or call for a nutrition counseling appointment.
______ If you are considering changing housing for next year and have not looked at places or signed a lease yet, catch the end of rental season starting at www.offcampus.osu.edu for landlords, roommates, and other helpful information.
______ The beginning of Spring Quarter is a great time to get tested for STIs (Student Health Services 292-4321) or HIV (free testing through Student Wellness 292-4527). Call for an appointment .
______ Get ready for classes!
______ Take time to reflect on your experience.
_____ Check www.swc.osu.edu for upcoming health events: Free HIV and STI testing, nutrition demonstrations, discussions on sexual health and healthy relationships and much more!