Spring break is often a much-needed break from the stress of your everyday life. For some that means rest and relaxation, but for others spring break means taking a trip. An essential part of enjoying spring break is making sure everyone stays safe. Here are a few quick tips:
- Watch the weather so you are prepared and can go to a safe place fast.
- Stay hydrated and healthy, especially if you are in the sun or participating in physical activities.
- Always protect your things by locking valuables in your trunk or hotel safe.
- Don’t overshare on social media and consider changing your privacy settings during your trip.
- Use the buddy system. Â Stay close to friends, and make sure everyone is always accounted for.
In addition to these tips, it is very important that you are aware of your location in case you have an emergency and need to call 9-1-1 for help. The 9-1-1 call center may have your location based on the call and their maps, but it is not always available or accurate. The 9-1-1 telecommunicator may count on you as the caller to answer questions to assist the first responders in locating you. Know your surroundings and pay attention to street signs and landmarks.
Some 9-1-1 call centers, including those in the North Central Texas 9-1-1 region, have adopted what3words to complement existing methods of validating caller locations. A free app, what3words, has divided the world into 10ft squares and given each square a unique three-word identifier. This is especially useful when you are on a body of water, trails, fields, parks or any other location that does not have roads and 9-1-1 addressing. Loading this free app will allow you to plan in advance if you will be in an off-road area. If there is an emergency, simply open the app, press the location icon and read out the what3words address to the 9-1-1 telecommunicator.   For more information about what3words, visit what3words.com.
Having what3words isn’t just for emergency reporting though. It can also be a good way to share a meet up place with friends or even plan a scavenger hunt for your spring break staycation. Enjoy your time off but remember to be safe. Using these simple tips and a little bit of planning can make your spring break a big success!