spring break guide to personal safety
Wherever your plans are taking you for spring break – home, the beach, a city – remember that anything can happen anywhere, so take precautions to keep you – and your stuff, but especially you – safe. The tactics compiled here should be practiced wherever you are, even here on campus and in your hometowns. The bottom line though, is that staying aware of your surroundings and actions can prevent a lot of hassle, crime and anguish.
Let's assume you're travelling for spring break. You've spent a lot of time, and probably a good amount of money, making plans, so take a little more time and hit the road with these safety tips in mind.
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Travelling with Electronics - Laptop/Electronics Theft Prevention Safety Tips
- Consider installing a theft recovery system on your PC so that if it's lost or stolen you have a greater chance of getting it back. Colby-Sawyer College offers access to a laptop theft recovery system which is available to the college community. Contact the Helpdesk at ext. 3800 if you have questions about this software.
- Protect your valuables, including your computer and electronics, by engraving them with a unique identification number and registering that number using Project Engrave. Contact the Department of Campus Safety at ext. 3675 for more information.
- Lock your laptop and electronics in your room, office or work area after hours. Or, put items in a locked closet or cabinet.
- Try not to leave your laptop or electronic devices in a vehicle; if you must, secure them in the trunk.
- Keeping your laptop or camera in obvious carrying cases is a red flag for thieves.
- Purchase insurance coverage for your laptop and electronics.
- Secure your laptop in a dorm or hotel room with a security cable.
- Be certain to back up all important data daily – the hardest thing to replace when a laptop is stolen is the data. Who wants to start their Capstone again from scratch? The horror.
- Protect the data and access of the computer with strong passwords and/or a hardware key device. Hardware key products include fingerprint identification devices or other access control devices that plug into the USB port.
Pre-Departure
- Check your health insurance coverage for international benefits if you are travelling abroad and be clear on what your options are no matter where you may be.
- Emergency contact information should be secured on your person and in carry-on luggage when you are traveling.
- If you have a chronic medical condition that may require emergency care, keep an identification tag, bracelet or card on you at all times indicating the specific nature of your problem and what should be done if you are unconscious or unable to communicate.
- Purchase a money belt or security pouch to carry valuables and passport. Carry important documents on your person. Provide your travel itinerary to your family/friends. Maintain regular contact while traveling.
- Make a record of your passport and credit card numbers and insurance papers, as well as plane, train or bus ticket numbers. Give a copy of the list to a family member or friend for safekeeping. (Make a copy of the first pages of your passport and retain with your luggage. It is much easier to replace a passport if you have a photocopy and can prove you had one to begin with.)
- Make a list of important telephone numbers and addresses of the locations you plan to visit and the telephone number of your nearest embassy or consulate. Leave a copy with your contact and take a copy with you.
- Use only your name and/or phone number on luggage tags. Do not display any unnecessary identification, as this could attract criminals. Use luggage tags that have a flap to cover the owner's identity.
- Pack your own suitcase and don't pack more than you can easily carry.
Vacation Security On The Road
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. If you must carry large sums of money, do not display it openly. Keep some in your wallet for easy access, the bulk of your cash in a money belt worn under your clothes, and an emergency $20 tucked securely in your suitcase in case of disaster.
- Keep a record of credit card numbers in a safe place separate from your cards, and include the telephone numbers to call in case your cards are lost or stolen.
- Be aware of your surroundings and never advertise your plans, including travel routes, where you are staying, or the amount of cash you are carrying.
- Never leave your mobile GPS or its cradle visible in the car when unattended. An empty cradle is an invitation for thieves to break in and search for the GPS or other items.
- Belonging to a road service club like AAA is a good idea and offers quite a few travel benefits (free towing, maps and guidebooks, discounts, etc). If your car breaks down and you are a member of such a club, call for their assistance. If you are not, call the police for help. If you cannot make a cell phone call, raise the hood and attach a white cloth to the car antenna as an emergency signal. Stay in your locked car. Ask anyone who stops to call the police or a garage. If you must abandon your car, keep all passengers together.
Hotel and Motel Security
- If you've booked a room and upon arrival the hotel doesn't “feel right” or seems unsafe, try to find alternate lodging options. You may not get your deposit back, but go with your gut and you'll sleep better.
- When checking in, ask the desk clerk not to say what room you're staying in but instead to show you in writing, so that no one will overhear and know exactly where to find you later.
- You know those maps on the back of a hotel door? Take a look and determine the most direct route to and from your room to the fire escapes, elevators, and nearest phone. Then make sure the reality matches the plan by checking things out yourself.
- Use all locking devices on doors and windows. You may want to purchase a portable door lock for traveling.
- Use door peep-holes to identify anyone requesting entry, even if you ordered room service and are expecting someone. Open the door only if you are certain the person has a legitimate reason to enter your room. If in doubt, call the lobby.
- Unpack and place belongings in the closet and dresser. Arrange your things so you will know if anything is missing.
- Consider locking any electrical appliances in your luggage. Suitcases should always be locked so they cannot be used to carry your property out of your room.
Be ATM "Street Smart"
- Never approach an ATM if you see suspicious people near the machine or if you have any doubts or concerns about your safety, especially at ATMs right on the street.
- Never approach an ATM if the lights at the site are not operating.
- Use your body as a shield to keep others from seeing you punch in your PIN number.
- Never count your money at the ATM or leave with your wallet or cash exposed.
- Lock the passenger side of your car when at drive-up ATMs.
- An unobtrusive way to get smaller amounts of money is the “cash-back” option when it's available during other transactions.
- Take your ATM receipt with you instead of discarding it in the trash. The receipt gives your account balance as well as the amount you withdrew or deposited.
Be Aware While Shopping
- Avoid shopping alone. Try shopping with a friend or relative. Say no to anything that will isolate you from other people in your group.
- Park your vehicle in a well-lit area and lock all the doors.
- Know your surroundings. Keep an eye on the people in front as well as behind you.
- Carry your purse close to your body, and if possible, over your body diagonally. Don't swing it loosely. Don't flash large amounts of cash. Zip it or fasten it closed.
- Walk with confidence; act like you know where you're going. Avoid talking to strangers on the street.
- Approach your vehicle with your keys already in your hand and lock the doors when you get in.
Sexual Assault Prevention
Rape is about power, control, and anger. Think about the unthinkable. Don't mask the facts about rape with myths and stereotypes. Rape is an act of violence. It is an attempt to control and degrade using sex as a weapon. It can happen to anyone – children, students, wives, mothers, working women, grandmothers, the rich and poor, and boys and men. A rapist can be anyone – classmate, co-worker, neighbor or delivery person, ugly or attractive, outgoing or shy, often a friend or family member. The resources of the Baird Health and Counseling Center are available to you no matter where you are located should you need them.
- Be alert. Walk with confidence and purpose.
- Be aware of your surroundings - know who's out there and what's going on.
- Don't let alcohol or other drugs cloud your judgment.
- Trust your instincts. If a situation or place makes you feel uncomfortable or uneasy, leave. You are probably correct with your feelings. Trust them.
- Lock your hotel or dorm door. Do not loan your key to friends.
- Do not accept drinks (alcoholic or nonalcoholic) from others. Remember that alcohol is the number one acquaintance-rape drug.
- When you go out, let someone know where you're going and when you plan to be back.
- Do not prop doors open in your residence hall or a hotel.
- Learn more about what to do if you are sexually assaulted visit http://www.colby-sawyer.edu/campus-life/Campus_Safety/Programs/assault.html.
Public Transportation
- Beware of overheard conversations. Do not tell anyone on the bus or subway where you are going or staying.
- Stay awake and alert.
- Have exact change ready.
- Try to sit near the driver.
- If you sense someone is following you when you get off, walk toward a populated area. Do not walk directly home or back to your hotel.
- Avoid reading guide books or looking at maps – those are sure signs of a tourist. If you must, do so discretely.
- In a lot of cases, you can blend in pretty well until you open your mouth. Your accent, volume and conversation topics can say more than you may want people to know. Be aware of yourself.
Parking Garage Safety
- If you must leave a key with the attendant, leave only the car keys.
- Don't park next to a van's sliding door.
- When possible, go to your car with a friend or a security escort.
- Approach your car with the keys already in your hand.
- Look around your vehicle for any suspicious activity. If you see someone loitering around your car, walk past until they leave.
- Do a quick scan of your vehicle's interior before unlocking the door. Be sure to look in the back seat.
- When approaching your car, do so from the middle of the aisle so that you can see underneath your car.
Car Security
- Always lock your car.
- Always lock valuables out of view, preferably in the trunk. Always carry wallets, checkbooks, and purses with you.
- Do not advertise that you are a tourist. Place maps and travel brochures in the glove compartment.
- Park in busy, well-lit areas.
- Check the back seat before getting into your car.
- Mark your radio and other removable car equipment with your driver's license number.
Preventing Carjacking
- Keep doors locked and windows shut.
- Don't stop to assist a disabled motorist. Instead, contact a service station or police.
- When stopped at a light, leave enough room between you and the car in front so that you could make an escape.
- Be suspicious of anyone approaching the car with fliers, or asking for change or directions. Be ready to leave carefully, even if it means running a red light or stop sign.
- While driving, if struck from behind or in any suspicious way, stay in your car with the doors locked and the windows closed until police arrive. Activate your emergency flashers.
- If you think you are being followed, drive immediately to the nearest well lit area with lots of people. If possible, go to the nearest police station.
Credit Card Security Precautions
Credit card holders are not as careful as they should be. The fraudulent use of credit cards is not limited to the loss or theft of your cards.
- Before leaving home, pack only those cards that you intend to use.
- Never take your eyes off your card during a purchase.
- In the event that your cards are lost or stolen, immediately notify your credit card company or bank. Most stolen cards are used within the first 48 hours of the loss or theft.
Safety Precautions While Walking At Night
- Avoid walking/running alone. Go with a friend.
- Don't use headphones while walking, driving or jogging.
- Always stay in well lit areas.
- Avoid the use of short-cuts.
- Always stay near the curb.
- Always walk facing traffic. This limits the ability of someone to pull you into a vehicle.
- If someone in a vehicle stops for directions, keep a safe distance. Do not approach the vehicle!
- If followed, go immediately to an area with lights and people. If needed, turn around and walk in the opposite direction, your follower will also have to reverse direction.
On The Street
- Don't hitchhike.
- Be careful using outside ATMs at night or in unfamiliar surroundings.
- When on the street, walk facing the traffic. It will be harder for someone to pull you into a car and abduct you.
- Tell someone where you are going and what time you should return, or if you will be with someone you don't know well.
- Try not to overload yourself with packages. If this cannot be avoided, then visualize how you would react if approached. Consider how you would get your hands free, etc.
- Don't read while walking or standing on the street.
- If you wear a purse with a shoulder strap, be prepared to let it go if snatched. Do not place the strap around your neck. Otherwise you may be hurt if a mugger knocks you down and drags you.
- Clogs, high heels, and tight skirts are hard to run and fight in. Capes, scarves, long necklaces and pony tails are easy to grab.
- Avoid being on the street alone if you are upset or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Have a friend with you.
- When dropping someone off at home, make sure they are safely inside before driving away. Have them do the same for you.
