As the spring semester winds down, you may be thinking about that summer vacation you’ve got planned.
Here are some tips for staying safe while away from home.
- Prepare for emergencies. Know the local emergency phone numbers of the area where you’re traveling. Remember, if you’re traveling outside the U.S., 911 may not be the number you dial in an emergency. It’s also good to have the phone numbers for your bank and credit card companies stored in your contacts.
- Always be aware. While on vacation, it’s easy to get a false sense of security. Always be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention and trust your intuition. If something doesn’t feel right, remove yourself from the situation or seek help.
- Make digital copies of important documents. Take a photo of your driver’s license, passport and other important documents just in case they are lost or stolen during your trip.
- Limit the valuables you pack. It’s best to leave expensive jewelry, clothing or electronics in a safe place at home, especially if you’re staying in a group rental or hostel.
- Drink responsibly. If you’re going to consume alcohol while traveling, do so in moderation.
- Avoid traveling alone. If possible, travel with another person or a group, and watch out for each other. If you must travel alone, share your details with someone, and check in with friends and family often.
- Avoid free Wi-Fi. While it may be tempting to log on to free public Wi-Fi in airports, hotels or coffee shops, remember that most of those networks are unsecured and can expose your devices and personal information to hackers.
Traveling internationally?
Watch the video to learn how to make your trip safer.
UA Alert System Test Canceled
So as not to disturb students taking final exams, the University will not conduct a test of UA Alerts or the public address system on Wednesday, May 1. The Tuscaloosa County Emergency Management Agency will test its outdoor sirens at noon unless there is inclement weather.