Your essential Spring Break safety tips

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 4, 2024) — Are you making Spring Break plans?

Whether you’re enjoying a staycation or jetting off to an exotic destination, POWER (Prevention, Outreach and Wellness Education Resources), housed in the University of Kentucky’s Office for Student Success, wants to make sure you’re prepared.

Make Spring Break memorable, while helping yourself, your friends and others stay safe and healthy with these essential tips:

Before You Leave

Before you head out the door, take a moment to secure your residence hall room or apartment. Lock up and double-check windows and doors to keep your belongings safe while you're away. Also, leave a copy of your travel itinerary with a trusted friend or family member back home, so they know where you'll be in case of emergencies.

Arrive Safely

Spring breakers usually drive through the night. Did you know, studies have shown being awake for more than 24 hours is equal to having a blood alcohol content of .10%? That’s higher than the legal limit in every state. If you can’t avoid night driving, have at least one person stay awake to talk to the driver.

Use the Buddy System 

Take a friend with you and never leave them behind. If you do leave without your friends, give them details about where you’re going and when to expect you back. Keep your phone charged at all times. And if you’re using a ride-share, ensure the car/driver matches the information provided in the app. Lastly, if your friend has had too much to drink, take them back to their room and keep an eye on them. If you think they have alcohol poisoning, call 911.

Know Your Environmental Tolerance

Have you ever been surprised by the effects of what you consider a normal amount of alcohol? Environmental tolerance could be the explanation. When your body expects to intake alcohol, it adapts and prepares. For example, if you usually drink at a friend’s house, each time you drive down the same street, walk through the same door, smell the same smells, etc., your body anticipates you will be drinking. This all happens before your first sip and without you knowing it. But if you go on a trip for Spring Break, your body doesn’t get the same cues. If you’re in a new environment, you won’t have the same tolerance level, so it's best to take it easy.

Understand Your Sexual Health

• Be mindful of your birth control prescription and check to see when you need a new cycle. If a birth control item needs to be picked up from the pharmacy, ensure it’s done before you leave.
• Plan ahead and stop by the University Health Service restrooms or the POWER Suite (located on the Gatton Student Center east wing 3^rd floor) for various sexual health items. Make sure you’re storing those items in appropriate containers that won’t get damaged and are not exposed to extreme temperatures.
• It’s crucial to know your status before engaging in sexual activity. You can schedule an appointment for STI testing at University Health Service. Get Yourself Tested (GYT) Clinics are also open for walk-in testing in the POWER Suite. For more information about sexual health services, email power.uky@uky.edu.

Fuel Up

Keep your energy levels up by drinking plenty of water and packing lots of snacks. Whether you're exploring a new city or lounging by the pool, being hydrated and having nutritious snacks will keep you feeling your best.

Practice Self-Care 

If you're staying nearby for Spring Break, take advantage of the downtime by prioritizing self-care. Focus on activities that promote mental health and well-being. You can explore the UK Student Well-Being website for support with wellness, mental health and other well-being needs.

As stress levels may increase upon returning from the break, take proactive steps to support your well-being by exploring the variety of programs and services POWER has planned for you. Visit the POWER website or BBNvolved to access resources tailored to help you navigate the challenges of post-break stress and maintain your overall wellness.