Hey Ithaca College! Just a friendly reminder from SAFER members to be safe this Spring Break, no matter where you are going and what you are doing! (& No SAFER meeting this week either)
Goin’ out…
A good cardinal rule is: Go out with your friends, go home with your friends. It’s one of those things that keeps you a whole lot safer, and eliminates about 98% of the bad drama. This way you can look out for one another, and get a friend home who is too intoxicated to be out. Also be on the lookout for signs of predatory drugs: extreme wooziness, confusion, difficulty standing and slurring speech. If you notice these symptoms in yourself, find your friends immediately and tell them to get you outta there. If you see these signs in a friend, do your friend duty and take them back to the hotel, or to a hospital if symptoms are severe.
Hookin’ up…
No, not everyone is doing it. (Don’t believe the hype.) But if you do choose to have sex, make sure it’s protected. Stock up on protection before you leave home so you never find yourself in a compromised situation. Decide before even going on spring break what you’re willing to do, and then get to work setting your boundaries early and often. If you meet someone and decide to shack up, be up front with them if sex isn’t in the plan. Maybe something like, “Hey good lookin’. I’ve had fun this evening, but no fornication tonight.” How’s that for smooth? But seriously, don’t ever let anyone talk you into doing something you’re uncomfortable with.
While drinkin’… (if over 21)
Do us all a favor (including yourself) and party smart. Be responsible. Pace yourself if you choose to drink, and avoid hard alcohol or other drinks that are powerful and have fast effects. Also be aware of alcohol poisoning. According to a University of Wisconsin study, 75 percent of college males and 43 percent of females reported being intoxicated on a daily basis during spring break. If you do decide to drink, know the liquor laws of wherever you’ll be vacationing. Drinking & driving is always a dangerous situation, so avoid this by having your safe mode of transportation home planned before you go out.
