As winter break nears, you may already be packing to leave Tuscaloosa. Whether you’re planning a trip home to see family, a road trip across the country with friends, or just going over the river and through the woods to Grandma’s house, here are some tips you should keep in mind before you leave.
- Clean out your refrigerator and take out the trash. You don’t want to come back to a smelly residence.
- Unplug all electrical appliances, except the refrigerator, if you are planning to be gone for more than a few days. It will help save electricity and can prevent a fire.
- Lock your doors and windows, and close the blinds.
- Leave your heat on low in case of a freeze while you are away. Set the thermostat to around 55 degrees.
- Plan to leave during daylight hours if possible. If you can only leave at night, make sure you take extra precautions when loading your vehicle. It may even be a good idea to load your vehicle before nightfall.
- Leave a light or two on. It gives the impression that someone is home.
- Take valuables such as laptops, tablets, gaming consoles, passports and jewelry with you.
- When you exit your residence, look around the area to see who may be present. Look for the unfamiliar, especially when placing expensive items in your vehicle. If you have friends or family with you, ask them to help monitor the area so that you are not surprised by a stranger.
- Check that your vehicle is in good working condition before hitting the open road. Check your tire pressure, and make sure you have enough fuel to get to your destination.
- Make sure you have your driver’s license and vehicle registration in your vehicle. When preparing for a trip, people often forget these important documents.
- Let others know when you are leaving Tuscaloosa, where you are going and when you plan to arrive.
- Always check in from time to time with your family and friends while you are traveling.
- If you must make a stop during your trip, only do so in well-lit areas. Choose areas where there are many people.
- Get plenty of rest before your trip and don’t speed.
- If you’re attending any holiday parties, remember to never drink and drive.
Have a wonderful winter break, and remember that classes for Spring Semester 2022 begin on Wednesday, Jan. 12.