Personal Safety Tips

Simple safety precautions

Protecting Yourself...

ON CAMPUS OR IN YOUR ROOM

• Lock your door, even when you intend to return home shortly or if you are just going down the hall. It takes a thief ten seconds or less to enter an open room and steal your property.
• Lock or secure doors and windows when you are alone or asleep.Do not leave valuables lying out in plain sight.
• Record the serial number of your valuables.
• Keep emergency numbers by your phone.
• Do not leave messages on your door indicating that you are away and when you will return.
• Do not let strangers into the residence halls.
• Do not prop open Residence Hall exit doors.
• Do not write your address on your key ring.
• Tell a friend when you’re leaving campus and when you expect to return.
• Do not let anyone borrow your room keys. If you lose your keys report it to the Residence Life Office immediately.

• Avoid walking alone at night unless absolutely necessary.
• Keep to well lit, commonly traveled routes.
• Avoid shortcuts and dark, isolated areas.
• Walk purposefully, know where you are going, project a no-nonsense image.
• Avoid potentially dangerous situations.
• If you feel threatened, cross the street, locate an emergency phone, or enter a store or place of business even if you have just left it.
• Have your door keys ready; carry them in your pockets, not buried in a purse.

• Look into your car before getting in. Have your car keys ready and close your door once you are in your car. Lock doors and roll up windows once inside for protection.
• Never pick up strangers.
• Carry change for emergency calls. 911 is a free call.
• Drive to a police, a fire station or open place of business if you feel you are being followed.
• Do not stop to help occupants of stopped or disabled vehicles. Continue driving to the nearest phone and call assistance for them.
• Do not leave valuables accessible by the window. Someone may try to reach in and grab them. Put them either on the floor of the front or back seat.
• If your car breaks down, raise the hood, then lock yourself into your car. If someone stops to offer you help, remain in your car and ask them to phone for help (do not worry about appearing rude).

• Don’t leave your drink alone.
• Don’t drink something you didn’t open yourself.
• Go with a friend who will keep an eye on you.
• If alcohol is involved, make sure there is a designated driver.

• Keep automatic teller machine cards in a safe place, keep your Personal Identification Number (PIN) secret. When possible, only use ATM's during the day.   
• Have your card ready when you approach the ATM.
• Stand directly in front of the ATM when using it so that no one sees you enter your PIN.
• After the transaction, pocket your card and the money. Never walk away counting your money.
• Remember to take your receipt.

• Always lock your car. Never leave the windows down while it is unattended.
• Do not leave tempting valuables or property visible inside the car. Lock these items in the trunk.
• Lock bikes to bike racks with hardened-alloy locks and chains or u-shaped locks to prevent thefts.