College campuses are typically vigilant of this increase in risk and have practices in place to prevent crime and danger. There are also many things you can own your own to keep yourself, your belongings, and your peers safe during the holiday season.
Lock Your Doors
Crime and burglary rates increase during the holiday months, especially with so many people away from their homes. Many people are either out shopping, on a trip, or out of town visiting their loved ones.
Due to the increase in crime rates, it is also crucial to lock your doors while you are out of town for the holidays. Most campus facilities will have points of entry locked for winter break, but it is important to also lock your room.
Protect Your Valuables
Given this increase in risk, it’s best to take home or hide your valuable possessions, especially if you live in an on-campus dorm or apartment. If you have keys, IDs, or electronic devices or items that normally sit out on surfaces, they should be hidden away.
Follow these precautions to help decrease the chance of something being stolen while you are away from your home for an extended period of time.
If you choose to take your valuables with you, make sure you keep them on your person at all times, especially in an airport or public transportation.
Check the whereabouts of your valuables frequently and be aware of your surroundings to ensure that your items do not get stolen or lost when traveling.
Airports and public transportation are often overly crowded during the holidays which can make it easier for pickpockets to catch you off-guard.
Avoid Walking Alone at Night
If you live in a dorm or campus facility, make sure you are always being vigilant when walking around campus at night. Depending on the safety of your campus, it may be best to avoid walking at night altogether.
If you must walk alone at night, here are some tips to help ensure your safety:
- Carry your phone with you:
Make sure you always have your phone on you so you can call a friend or the authorities if there is an emergency. There are also several safety apps that you can download on your phone. - Make sure someone knows where you are:
Have a friend track your location or be aware of your route so they are able to find you in the event of an emergency. - Plan your route:
This can help you prevent getting lost or walking in an area you did not intend to. - Walk in well-lit areas:
Try to walk in a populated area with street lights. - Stay alert:
Walk with purpose and without distractions. Do not walk while on your phone or you could come off as a target.
Be Safe on the Road
It is extra important to drive safely and be aware of others on the road on holidays. Car accidents increase over the holidays, especially Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. This is largely due to the number of drunk drivers on the road.
According to The U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), 40% of traffic-related deaths during Christmas and New Year’s involve drunk drivers. You need to not only be cautious of your actions but also the actions of other drivers.
other related articles of interest:
Personal Safety Tips: How to Stay Safe in 3 Common College Scenarios
Follow Travel Safety Precautions
If you are traveling home or out of town for the holidays, be sure to book your travel in advance to avoid travel interruptions.
It is also best to be aware that airports are especially crowded during the holidays. This may mean that you should arrive extra early to allow ample time before your flight’s departure. You also need to make sure you are keeping track of your valuables and any important travel documents, such as IDs and passports
Follow all CDC guidelines while traveling in airports to ensure you are keeping yourself and those around you safe. The travel guidelines include wearing a mask and staying 6 feet apart from other travelers.
Image Credit: holiday safety tips for college students by twenty20.com
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