Staying Safe Over Spring Break

Spring break is less than one week away! We have a few reminders for you, whether you are traveling somewhere warm or heading back home to family and friends, we want you to stay safe.

Tip 1: Keep in mind the five steps of bystander intervention over break and continue to look out for one another.  Don’t be afraid to enlist others to help out when you see a problem situation or call 911 if it is an emergency. 

5 Steps for bystander intervention:

1.      Notice the event

2.      Interpret the event as a problem or emergency

3.      Assume personal responsibility

4.      Know how to help

5.      Implement the help

Tip 2: Stay safe. We always want our fellow Panthers to stay safe whether they are in Charleston or elsewhere.  For all of you who have iPhones, Find my Friends is already on your phone for you!  You can share you location so your friends know where you are at, especially if you are traveling to someplace new.  For all of you who have an Android (or don’t want to use the app on the iPhone), consider downloading the Circle of 6 or bSafe app to share your location, request a ride from a friend, or let your friends you know you are home safe. 

Tip 3: Limit your alcohol. The realities of alcohol can sometimes be scary.  By pacing your drinks and alternating between alcohol and water, you can continue to keep yourself better hydrated (this is also important if you are sitting outside in the sun all day).  It is also important to be aware of the signs of alcohol poisoning so everyone remains safe over spring break.  If you see someone who is experiencing the symptoms listed below, call 911 immediately and stay with the individual until the paramedics arrive.

Common signs of alcohol poisoning:

• Bluish in color

• Clammy skin

• Confusion or cannot be woken

• Slow breathing

• Vomiting       

For more information, check out our last tabling event tomorrow, March 8^th in Thomas Hall from 11:30 a.m. 1 p.m. If you can’t make it, but have some questions before you head out for spring break, feel free to call the HERC at 217-581-7786 or visit our website at www.eiu.edu/herc.

Safe travels, Panthers!