While you are visiting family or friends, traveling to a new place or just relaxing, we want you to have a wonderful and safe time.

Here are several important tips to promote a fun and safe Spring Break:

Travel Safety

• Make sure someone close to you knows where you are going, including the name and phone number of where you will be staying, who are you going with, and your dates of travel. In addition, it doesn't hurt to notify with a call or text when you arrive and to set up times for periodic check-ins throughout your trip.
  • If you are traveling abroad, enroll in the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to enroll your trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. https://travelregistration.state.gov
  • If you are traveling abroad as an FSU RSO to perform service, please make sure you have completed all required forms per the International Student Travel policy, and have completed all of the required steps including submission of proof of insurance.
  • If you are an international student on an F-1 or J-1 visa planning to leave the country during spring break, please make sure you have a valid student visa and an I-20 or DS2019 signed for travel within the last year. These will be required to re-enter the US.
• Be sure to make copies of all forms of identification. Having a copy of your identification will come in handy if your wallet gets lost or stolen. Keep a physical copy with you and give a copy to a trusted family member or friend in case they need to send you information.
• If you are staying in a hotel or hostel, be sure to use discretion and lock your door at all times! Keep valuables in a safe in the room or at the front desk. If possible, save the front desk number in your phone so you have it at all times.
• Protect yourself at all times. Make sure to ALWAYS use a buddy system with a group of people that you are familiar with when you go out, even if you are familiar with the location. Trust your instincts at all times and if you are uncomfortable, leave the situation as soon as possible.

Sun & Insect Exposure

• Use sunscreen, no matter where you are headed on your vacation or the weather. Use at least SPF 15 and reapply often, especially after swimming or sweating excessively. Limit sun exposure during the hottest hours of the sun's rays (between 10am and 4pm).
• Use insect repellents when outdoors (apply sunscreen before applying insect repellents) or wear long-sleeved shirts and pants. Mosquito bed nets can also be used if you are outside or in more insect-prone areas.
• Keep hydrated by drinking lots of water! Avoid alcohol, carbonated soda, and other sugary drinks.

Alcohol & Other General Safety Reminders

• Take action if you are concerned about someone.
  • Direct: Confront all involved and show you are a witness to what is happening.
    "Are you ok? Are they bothering you? Do you want to go home?"
  • Distract: Create an interruption that separates the target and aggressor.
    "Can you help me with something?" or "Hey, I want you to meet someone."
  • Delegate: Engage allies.
    If your friend looks drunk, you should check on them. "Let's go home."
• Make responsible choices. Know that it is illegal to purchase, possess, or consume alcohol if you are under the age of 21. If you choose to legally drink alcohol, utilize the protective strategies below to reduce your risk:
  • Limit yourself to no more than one drink per hour and make sure to eat before you drink.
  • Designate a sober driver or identify a ride or transportation service to ensure you do not drive under the influence of alcohol.
  • Watch who makes your drink, and keep your drink in your possession at all times.
  • Set a limit on how many drinks you are going to have when you drink and stick to it.
  • Know the signs of alcohol poisoning and do not hesitate to call for medical assistance if needed.
  • Avoid people or situations that make you feel pressured to drink, and do not pressure others to drink.
  • FSU's expectation is that you will choose not to drink if you are under 21 years of age.

For more tips and safety information to make your Spring Break the best one yet, visit http://www.safespringbreak.org/safety-tips/.

If you are in need of support or a place to process an experience, feel free to contact Counseling & Psychological Services (850-644-8255) or the Victim Advocate Program (daytime: 850-644-7161 nights/weekends: 850-644-1234 and ask for an advocate on call). Both resources are confidential and available 24 hours a day.

We hope you Uphold the Garnet and Gold while you are on spring break!

• Demonstrate respect for ourselves and others.
• Take responsibility for yourself and those around you.
• Reflect the values of Florida State.