West Virginia University is sharing important health and safety information with students and others who may be traveling March 21-25 during spring break.
In light of the current spread of the Zika virus, Dr. Kathryn Moffett from WVU Medicine has put together an online Q&A, “Ask WVU Medicine: The Zika Virus,” which provides information about the virus, the way it spreads, treatment options and many other concerns.
Travelers intending to visit a tropical area should also check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for additional advisories and updates.
Regardless of the destination, the University Police Department encourages students to plan ahead for a safe spring break, and to keep safety in mind while traveling.
Before traveling:
• Do some online research about your intended destination and find out about any risks or potentially dangerous areas to avoid.
• Make sure your parents have the cell phone numbers and full names of your traveling companions in case you lose your phone or some other problem arises that would make it difficult to contact you.
• Let your parents know your planned travel route, any planned stops, diversions, etc., and the physical address and the phone number of your intended destination.
• Be sure to lock your residence hall room, apartment or house and make sure your valuables are completely secure. Unplug unnecessary appliances and equipment that might increase risk of a fire.
• If traveling by vehicle, have it vehicle inspected at a reputable garage to make sure it is in good condition.
• While traveling, always wear your seatbelt, obey the speed limits and be prepared to adjust your speed if weather conditions require it.
• Get sufficient rest before traveling and always drive safely and defensively.
• Don’t drink and drive.
While on Spring Break:
• Be sure to keep your room locked and your property secure at all times.
• Avoid wearing flashy jewelry, flashing cash or doing anything that may increase your risk of being a victim of theft or robbery.
• Always go out with at least one of your traveling companions and try to stay with larger groups whenever possible. Statistics indicate that your chance of being a victim of crime is reduced by up to 65 percent if you travel in groups of three or more.
• Avoid illegal drugs and limit your alcohol intake. Most injuries, physical assaults, sexual assaults, and criminal citations and arrests that occur on spring break involve alcohol.
• Look out for one another, especially if someone in your group becomes intoxicated. Don’t let any member of your party wander off alone or with others outside of your group.
• Don’t ever put a drink down where something could be placed in it or accept drinks from others. If at any time you suspect that something may have been slipped into your drink, alert your friends immediately and then call the local police.
For more safety tips on spring break visit: http://police.wvu.edu/r/download/209022.
-WVU-
ak/03/15/16
CONTACT: University Relations/News
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