The Florida A&M University Department of Public Safety wishes you a safe and enjoyable spring break. While we want you to relax and have fun, we also want to remind you that this is a time where students should exercise an increased level of awareness. A large percentage of college students on spring break are either injured or have an encounter with law enforcement. By following simple prevention practices to help you stay safe, you can still enjoy one of the most anticipated weeks of the academic year!
1. Don’t Share ‐ Sharing too much information on where you’re going on social network sites such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, or Foursquare, is just an advertisement for thieves alerting them that you are away. Even posting photos can be dangerous, as geo‐tagging can help disclose your location. This danger can be avoided by removing geo‐tags from photos with a metadata removal tool. 2. Ride Safe ‐ Have your vehicle serviced before hitting the road. Once at your location, only park in well‐lit areas and only use reputable, licensed transportation services to get around for tours. Back‐alley transportation may be cheaper on the front side, but can cost you more both financially and physically in the end. Do not become distracted by the phone, friends, music, texting, or drinking while driving. 3. Walk Safe‐ Avoid unlit/secluded areas, especially at night. Walk in the middle of the sidewalk and never loiter in deserted areas. Walk on the side of the street nearest to oncoming traffic. If accosted by someone in a car, run in the direction opposite of the way the car is headed. 4. Cash Safety ‐ Carry only small sums of cash in your wallet, purse, or coat pocket or concealed in an inside zipped pocket. Men should consider carrying a second wallet containing a few one‐dollar bills. This second wallet can be used as a decoy if you are accosted and the suspect demands your wallet. 5. Stay Safe ‐ Rooms located between the fourth and the sixth floors are preferred. Lower floors are primary targets for thieves and higher floors can be difficult for fire ladders to reach. Especially avoid ground floor rooms directly off the parking lot. Store valuable in room safe. 6. Drink Safe ‐ The legal age for consuming alcohol is 21. If you are not of legal age, it is a criminal offense and you can go to jail. Those of legal age still face danger. Never leave your drink unattended and never accept a drink from someone you don’t know. Hot tubs can be especially dangerous when used in conjunction with alcohol. Avoid this combination entirely. 7. Travel Safe ‐ Fill out the FAMU Travel Safety Plan before you leave. Always let a trusted person know where you are and when your plans change. 8. Bank Smart ‐ Use the ATM during the day if possible. If you have to get cash at night, try to use the ATM located inside the hotel in a well‐lit area. 9. Have a Code Word – Establish a secret phrase, code or signal among your friends that lets them know when you need their attention or intervention. 10. Be Aware ‐ Be aware of people who approach asking for directions or the time of day; keep a polite but safe distance. One ploy to be wary of is someone asking to use your cell phone, make change or get a light for a cigarette.
FAMU Department of Public Safety Crime Prevention Tips, 2012
TRAVEL PLAN
As an extra security measure, the Department of Public Safety encourages students to file a Rattler Travel Plan before leaving campus. The Travel Plan Itinerary form may be hand‐delivered or sent to the Department of Public Safety via fax (850) 561‐2615, or email sherri.luke@famu.edu. Notify a responsible person at your destination to contact the FAMU Department of Public Safety if you do not arrive at your destination. Forms are available at the FAMU Department of Public Safety, and have been provided to all residential halls.
ITINERARY
Personal Information Last Name:
First Name, MiddIe:
Address:
Contact Numbers:
E‐mail Address:
DOB (mm/dd/yyyy):
Travel Information Destination:
Address:
City, State, Zip:
Country:
Contact:
Departure Date/Time:
Estimated Arrival Date/Time:
Will you be traveling by car? Make Color Transportation route:
Yes
No
If so, complete the following:
Model
Year
Tag No.
State
Will you be traveling by train/bus/air?
Yes
No
Train/Bus/Flight #:
Medical problems, medications, or other special needs (optional):
Emergency Contact Name:
Address:
Phone Numbers:
FAMU Department of Public Safety Crime Prevention Tips, 2012