Students wanting to leave it all behind during Spring Break could return with nothing left, if they are not careful.
According to Gene Burton, acting director of the Department of Public Safety, students should begin planning safety measures to protect themselves and their property long before they leave for vacation.
Burglars often prey on homes left empty by vacationing tenants. Because of this, Burton said, it is important for vacationers to find a trustworthy person to check their houses.
This person should collect the mail and newspapers, check locks and windows and turn lights on and off periodically. Turning lights on and off will give the impression that someone is home, Burton said.
Timers can also be placed on lights to turn them off and on. Burton said they can be bought at most department and home improvement stores for $10 to $20.
Students should notify neighbors if someone will be monitoring their home. They should also make a list of the valuable items and document the make, model and serial numbers for all items. Police must have this information before an item can be listed as stolen.
"It's a great way to recover stolen property, but without the serial numbers, we're lost," Burton said.
After students have safeguarded their homes and valuables, Burton said, they must be careful while traveling. He said students should check the fluids, belts and tires of their vehicles before they leave.
He also said it was important for students to be aware of the traffic laws of each state they pass through. Most states post traffic laws on the Internet, Burton said.
"The assumption is that if you are traveling on those roads, you know the laws and will abide by them," he said. "Ignorance is not an excuse."
The same safety steps students use on campus apply off campus as well, Burton said.
"What you are going to do to keep yourself safe at school is the same over Spring Break," he said.
Burton said students should know who they are spending time with and should always tell friends where and with whom they are going. He also warned against accepting drinks from strangers and leaving drinks unattended.
Students should also make sure to take their parents' insurance information with them in case they need medical attention.
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