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Tips to Help Keep You Safe
on College Campus
Although college campuses are usually
relatively safe places you should never let your guard down. It is
important to always be aware of your surroundings and to take
precautions at all times. Here are a few tips to help keep you
safe.
Campus Safety Tips
School Orientation
Theft Prevention
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Theft
is always an issue on campus so be sure to always close and lock your door
and windows even if you are leaving for a short amount of time.
-
Never
leave your belongings unattended even for a short period of time in the
library or cafeteria. An unattended laptop is a quick and easy target.
In addition, leave valuables especially expensive jewelry at home.
-
Write
down the serial numbers for items such as bikes, laptops, TVs, stereos and
iPods. Also, include a list of credit card numbers and bank accounts.
Be sure to put this information in a very safe place or leave it at home
with your parents. This way if they are ever stolen you will at least have
some chance of recovering them and bank accounts and credit cards can be
shut down immediately.
Preventing Physical Assault
-
To
prevent any type of physical assault always be aware of your surroundings.
Phone conversations, and loud music can hinder your ability to hear someone
approaching you. Keep your head up, and don’t be caught by surprise.
Stay away from bushes, dark doorways or alleys. Walk in the direction
of oncoming traffic so if you need to get away from a car you can run in the
opposite direction of the way they are going.
-
Do not
let anyone in to your building, apartment or dorm room that you do not know
personally.
-
Carry a
whistle or some other type of alarm that can be used to get attention
quickly in case of an emergency. Yell "FIRE" instead of help it will
get attention quicker.
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Always
avoid walking alone if possible. Remember that here is always safety
in numbers. Many campuses have volunteer escorts who are screened in
advance so if you need to walk alone consider using a campus escort.
-
Avoid
dark, deserted paths. Stay in well-lit areas and paths most traveled
by others.
-
Always
know what buildings are open and/or staffed 24 hours a day in case you need
assistance. Know the emergency number for campus police and the
location of emergency phones.
Take Precautions
-
You
must be careful of alcohol consumption and/or drug use. You
become very vulnerable in many ways when under the influence of a substance
of some kind.
-
If you
are going somewhere make sure someone knows where you are at all times.
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Keep
your hands free whenever possible and have your keys out and available for
both your car and room/apartment.
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Be very
careful about giving out personal information (phone number, address,
or dorm room) especially on Facebook, Twittter or MySpace.
-
Work
out your schedule to visit your ATM in the daylight. Avoid night
visits if possible. If you need to go at night be sure to take
someone with you and keep you ATM card in your pocket for quick access.
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Put
emergency numbers in your cell phone. This should include contacts for
credit card companies and your bank in case your wallet/handbag is stolen.
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Keep
your car door locked. Park in well-lit areas and check the inside of
your vehicle before entering. Routinely check on your car if you are not
using it on a daily basis.
-
If your
key is lost or stolen ask to have the lock replaced ASAP. Never loan
out your key to anyone or make copies for a friend. If your ID card is
lost or stolen, report it immediately.
-
There
are wireless alarm systems that are perfect for an apartment or dorm.
It is easy to set up and you can take it with you when you move. They
come with remote controls, panic button, sensors, and a siren.
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