Tips to Stay Safe Over Spring Break

As the weather gets warmer and spring break approaches, New York Law School (NYLS) wants to ensure that our community enjoys a safe and pleasant time off. Vice President for Security and Community Affairs Dennis DeQuatro shares a few essential safety and security tips to help our community members make the most of their spring break plans, whether they’re taking a vacation, heading home to visit family, or staying in the city.

Spring Break Safety Tips

• Stay alert and keep valuables close especially when in large crowds or in populated areas such as beaches, clubs, or airports.
• If you are going out, ensure someone knows where you are and when you expect to return. If traveling, always have a trusted family member or friend made aware of your itinerary and check in with them regularly.
• Know the address of any place you plan to go before you enter the location. Make note of the exits in any unfamiliar place when you arrive.
• Always check with your credit card company or bank to make sure your card will work in a foreign country. Always use indoor, trusted ATMs in well lit, populated areas. If you lose your wallet, credit cards, or debit cards, immediately contact your financial provider to freeze the cards.
• Ensure your cellphone is always fully charged and, if possible, your location finder is activated so you can share your location with a family member or friend. Always check with your cell phone provider to see what coverage, if any, may be received in another state or country and what charges may apply.
• Have an “In Case of Emergency” (ICE) saved in your cellphone contacts.
• If you are using public transportation, stay aware of your surroundings, remain alert, and secure your belongings. Avoid overtly displaying jewelry or other items of value.
• Travel in groups during peak travel times when possible and have a meeting place for those in your travel party in case you get separated. 
• If you plan to travel outside of the United States:
  • Check for travel advisory or warnings for a specific region or country you will visit on your vacation. If you are traveling outside of the country, visit travel.state.gov/ for international travel, passport, and visa information.
  • Register your visit abroad with the nearest consulate or embassy at step.state.gov/step/. The consulate or embassy can contact you in an emergency, assist you if you are injured or the victim of a crime, or alert you to changes in the country or area status.
  • Avoid delays and confusion at the airport. Check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website to “Know Before You Go.”
  • Plan transportation routes ahead of time.
• If you go out for a walk or run, use populated areas that are well lit and well-traveled. Avoid using anything that will hinder your ability to see, hear, and smell your surroundings. If you must use earbuds or similar devices, only use one earpiece so that you can still hear what is going on around you.  If possible, have a walking or running partner.   

Read our Holiday Safety Tips for additional safety and security advice. We wish our NYLS community a safe and enjoyable spring break!