Personal Safety

Don't take your safety for granted. While we have a relatively safe campus, you shouldn't become complacent. Sometimes bad things happen even here in our community. Oftentimes in the news you hear people say something like "I don't think things like this could happen here." You must realize that anything can happen to anyone at anytime.

Personal safety tips:

• If you're going out, tell someone where you're going, with whom you will be with, and when you expect to return. If your plans change, let this person know so they won't be worried.
• Until you get to really know and feel safe with your date, it's a good idea to keep your first few dates in public places such as a restaurant, movie or concert, before you agree to be alone with him in a one on one situation oftentimes in his apartment or car where he will be in control.
• Be careful about people you have just met at a party or bar. While you may have enjoyed their company, you should not agree to ride alone with them in a car. Other than the brief time you have talked with them, they are complete strangers and you should not get into a one-on-one situation with them. Especially in a vehicle where they are in control.
• Watch your intake of alcohol and those of your date or others you socialize with. You want to have a clear head so you can make good judgment calls.
• Watch your drink at a party or bar to prevent someone from slipping something into it such as a "date rape drug". Never accept a drink in a glass or bottle that you didn't see poured or opened. Never leave your drink unattended.
• Be careful at parties, avoid pairing off with someone alone in a room. Assaults often happen with loud parties going on in the same building.
• Trust your instincts. If your gut tells you something is not right, go with your feelings. Don't be afraid to make a scene if necessary. A few minutes of embarrassment/awkwardness is nothing compared to being the victim of an assault.
• When going out at night, travel with others. Don't separate from the group and go it alone.
• Just like your mother has often told you, it is not a good idea to be out late at night. Chances of encountering a "bad guy" are great, and chances of someone coming to your aid are small, whether you're out celebrating with your friends or just going to Walmart.
• Immediately report to the police any suspicious persons or vehicle.

Property Safety Tips:

• Always keep the doors and windows of your residence locked, even during the day if you plan to take a nap, and especially at night when you are asleep.
• Always keep your vehicle locked. Don't leave valuable items in open view. If possible, store them in the trunk.
• Don't leave your book bag or books unattended in a public place even for a few minutes. That will be long enough for someone to walk by and pick them up. They will not look conspicuous in doing so on a College Campus.
• Same goes for your valuable laptop computer. You should consider buying a locking device or install tracking software.
• It is a good idea to write down the serial numbers of all your valuable equipment, computer, cameras, tv, stereo, etc. In case they are later stolen. The police will need this information to help recover your property and Campus Police can also help you in recording all of your information.
• Write your name in your textbooks, on the inside cover and not on a page that can be torn out. It is also recommended that you write your name or other identifier on anther page inside the book. This will be helpful to the police and bookstore if they are later stolen.
• Be careful about guest in your room. Don't leave your wallet, checkbook, and jewelry out in the open.
• Report any suspicious person or vehicle immediately to Campus Police.
• If you are victimized, report it to the police.

Walking Tips

• Be alert to your surroundings, pay attention, don't be distracted by talking on your cell phone or listening to music on your iPod.
• Walk with confidence and assurance, don't look like an easy target by your body language.
• Try not to walk by yourself, especially at night, while there is no guarantee, there seems to be greater safety when traveling in numbers.
• Walk on major streets with lights and traffic, stay off secondary streets. Don't take shortcuts through remote areas.
• Be especially careful in parking lots. If someone appears to be loitering in a parking lot, don't take the chance and get out of your car, drive around the block and come back, if he is still there, call the police to come check on him. If you are about to leave your dorm or house to walk to your car, look out toward the parking lot or street where your car is parked. If someone is loitering in the lot, don't walk to your car. Wait a few minutes from the safety of your dorm/house. If he continues to loiter in the area, call the police to have officers check on him.
• Have your car keys ready as you approach your car. Fumbling for your keys will distract you, long enough for someone to approach you unexpectedly.
• Carry a cell phone with you. For situations encountered on campus call Campus Police, make sure to program Campus Police emergency phone number into your phone, 862-8300. For matters off campus call 911. Keep your phone charged up and carry a spare battery.
• If a motorist stops you to ask for directions/information, be careful, keep a safe distance back from the vehicle and be alert.
  If you are approached by someone who attempts to take your purse or book bag, give it up. It's not worth you getting harmed. It can be replaced, you cannot.
• If you sense you are being followed, you might try crossing the street. If he continues to follow you, go to the nearest public building, with lights and people. Don't go into an unlocked academic building on campus after regular business hours, the building likely will be unoccupied. Call Campus Police on your cell phone or activate one of the Code blue phone units on campus by just pressing the button.
• Immediately report to the police any suspicious persons or vehicles