Before you pack your bags, head home for the holidays or click “purchase” on that online shopping deal, take a moment to think about safety.
As Thanksgiving approaches and routines begin to change, the risks we face often shift, too.
Increased travel, crowded events, online shopping and end-of-semester stress can create opportunities for accidents, scams and poor decisions.
The good news is that a few simple habits can help keep you safe wherever the season takes you.
If you’re traveling
Whether you’re traveling across the state or across the country, make safety part of your plans.
- Plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination safely.
- Avoid distractions while driving, including texting, scrolling social media or using apps behind the wheel. In Alabama and many other states, holding a mobile phone while driving is against the law.
- Always wear your seatbelt and encourage your passengers to do the same.
- Never drive when you are tired. If you feel drowsy, pull over and take a break.
- Never drink and drive. If your plans involve any alcohol (even just one drink), designate a sober driver, use a rideshare service or arrange another safe way home.
- If you’re traveling with friends, look out for one another and make sure everyone gets home safely.
Online shopping
Holiday shopping season brings great deals, but it also brings an increase in scams.
- Be cautious of emails, text messages and social media advertisements that seem too good to be true.
- Shop only through trusted retailers and verified websites.
- Use secure payment methods. Use a credit card when possible, as it may be easier to dispute fraudulent charges and recover your money if something goes wrong.
- Avoid making purchases on public Wi‑Fi networks.
- Protect your personal and financial information.
- Watch for phishing attempts that create a sense of urgency or pressure you into taking immediate action.
Look out for others
Safety is about more than protecting yourself. It’s about caring for the people around you.
- Check in on friends, classmates and coworkers, especially during stressful times. While the holidays are a joyful season for many, they can also be difficult for those experiencing loneliness, grief, financial stress or other personal challenges.
- Offer support to someone who may be struggling.
- Report potentially unsafe situations. The UAct website offers a number of ways to make a report.
- Trust your instincts and report suspicious activity or emergencies. If you see something, say something by calling 911 or UAPD at 205-348-5454.
- Share campus resources, such as Student Care and Well-Being, the UA Counseling Center, and the Camellia Center, with those who may need assistance.
As the semester continues, remember: safety travels with you.
Whether you’re heading home for Thanksgiving, spending the holiday in Tuscaloosa or preparing for the final weeks of the semester, the choices you make matter.
By staying aware, making smart decisions and looking out for one another, we can help keep ourselves and our community safe wherever the season takes us. Roll Tide.
Safety reminder: UA Alert system test
Weather permitting, the University will test its emergency notification systems, including UA Alerts, the public address system and digital signage Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 11:55 a.m.