COLUMBUS, Miss.—For many, spring break is a time to decompress, get away from the pressures of school or job and forget the rules. But a law enforcement official at Mississippi University for Women advises never to forget safety, whether traveling or just relaxing at home.
“Always have a plan,” advised Danny Patton, MUW chief of police and a former police chief in Jasper, Ala.
Some precautions are common sense, he said, but often people let down their guard when they’re on vacation.
“If you’re traveling, have an itinerary that you share with someone,” he advised. “Let them know where you’ll be and at what time. Check in at designated times to let others know you’re safe.”
He also cautioned that it’s best not to keep valuables in one place. Women, for instance, should keep only easily replaceable objects in their purses. For both men and women, important items such as driver’s license, passport and credit cards, as well as a supply of cash, should be kept separate. It’s also a good idea to have bank and credit card numbers written down somewhere in case of theft.
“If someone tries to snatch your purse,” he said, “let them have it. If you’ve planned ahead, your valuables will be somewhere else.”
If, however, someone tries to threaten you physically or attempts to abduct you, Patton recommends making as much noise as possible. “You may want to yell, ‘I’m having a heart attack’ or something else that draws attention rather than just calling for help,” he said. “Be as loud as you can.”
Driving to any destination can present potentially dangerous situations, he added.
“If someone approaches your car when you’re stopped and you feel uncomfortable or threatened, don’t roll down the window,” he said. “If you can safely drive away, do so immediately.”
If you’re parking to enter a business, restaurant or other establishment, try to park near an entrance or an outdoor light. “Always be aware of your surroundings,” Patton cautioned. “Don’t walk and text at the same time, because you lose sight of what’s around you.”
Valuables stored in the trunk of your vehicle always should be placed there before arriving at your destination, he said.
If you’re leaving a business and something makes you uncomfortable, Patton said it’s perfectly fine to ask an employee to ‘watch’ you to your car. “It’s always best to err on the side of safety,” he said.
For those who consume alcohol, Patton strongly advised having a designated driver. “And never leave your drink unattended,” he said.
Whatever the situation, Patton said if something makes you uncomfortable or anxious, you’re never wrong to pause and take stock. “Always trust your instincts.”