Safety Tips
Review these helpful safety tips!
- Use your senses. Be aware of what is happening around you. You don’t have to see danger to avoid it.
- Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong to you, the go to safety and contact the Police.
- Don’t be too trusting. It is easy to get complacent on a college campus. Most people are friendly, but be careful. A little paranoia can be a good thing.
- Listen, if you hear someone approaching you from the rear, look around.
- Maintain a safe distance from suspicious people to give yourself time to react, or to avoid attack.
- Avoid using alcohol or illicit drugs. Their use can impair your judgement, slow reaction times, as well as expose you to some less than desirable social situations and people.
- Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be returning.
- Always close and lock your door when you’re away from your room, even if it is for a few minutes. Lock your room when you are asleep, even if your roomate(s) are still expected to come in after you.
- Don’t leave valuables out where they can be seen through an open window when you’re away.
- Be suspicious of strangers wandering through residence halls or other residential areas. Don’t hesitate to ask if they need help. When in doubt, report them to the staff or the police.
- Remember to close exterior doors to residence halls. If you notice a door propped open, close it.
- If you have a bicycle, use a good lock to secure it. The U-shaped locks tend to provide the best security. Always lock your bike to an immovable object such as the bike racks, but don’t lock it to a railing or light pole.
- If you have a car on campus, always lock it when you park. Don’t leave valuables visible inside.
- Record the serial numbers of all valuables stored in your room or your car. It’s also a good idea to engrave your drivers license number on them.
- Be cautious when talking to strangers on the telephone. Don’t reveal anything about yourself or your housemates until you know who you’re talking to.
- Always be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone late at night. Be mindful of the nearest phone or Blue Light Emergency Call Box.
How to Help
- Dial 911 or x2345 if you see:
- Anyone tampering with a motor vehicle
- A stranger lingering around your building or dorm
- A smashed door or window
- Suspicious individuals
- Fire or Smoke
- Anyone with a weapon
- Dial 911 or x2345 if you hear:
- Screaming
- A call for help or the police
- The sound of breaking glass
- Loud or obscene shouting indicating a disturbance
- A loud explosion
- Noise [unusual] indicating someone is trying to gain access to your dorm or building