Personal safety is first and foremost an individual responsibility, and it begins with being aware of your surroundings and using common sense. Here are a few simple but important tips to help you avoid becoming the victim of a crime.
Personal Safety Tips
- Always be aware of the location of all Public Safety fire boxes, telephones, and blue-light emergency telephones located throughout campus.
- Use the Campus Shuttle and escort services provided by Public Safety. These services are available Sunday through Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Thursday through Saturday 7 p.m. to 3 a.m.|
- Don't walk or run alone! Always try to walk or run with another person or with a group of people.
- Don't walk in dimly lit areas or take risky shortcuts. Stick to well-traveled and well-lit sidewalks and roadways.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and flashing expensive items or money around.
- Avoid wearing headphones,while walking, running, or driving -- especially at night. Headphones can prevent you from hearing what is going on around you.
- If you think you're being followed or sense that something is wrong in your immediate environment, change direction or cross the street and head for any well-lit area, any occupied building, or to an emergency phone.
- If you feel threatened, scream “help!” Remember a criminal does not like noise or attention.
- Avoid overloading yourself with an excessive number of books, and/or shopping bags when walking.
- If you are confronted by a thief, give up your purse or wallet. Money, credit cards, and other property can easily be replaced. You can't.