Personal Safety

Tips for Residence Hall Students

  1. Always lock your doors to the suite and bedroom.
  2. Always lock the windows including using the locking bar.
  3. Always walk in groups and on well-lit paths.
  4. Do not prop open any exterior door. If you see the door open, remove the object preventing the door from closing.
  5. Do not loan your keys or leave them unattended in plain view.
  6. Do not keep large sums of money or expensive jewelry in your room.
  7. Never leave items in plain view.
  8. Report on all suspicious people, vehicles and circumstances immediately.
  9. Report any lock problems immediately.

Tips for Faculty and Staff

  1. Do not leave purses on your desk in plain view when in your office. Lock all personal property in desk drawer or somewhere out of sight. If you must leave your office unattended, lock the door during your absence.
  2. When working alone or after normal business hours, lock the office doors.
  3. Report all suspicious persons and activities to Public Safety.
  4. Visitors should be escorted to the proper office or remain with the receptionist until someone comes for them.
  5. University keys should be kept separate from personal keys. These keys should be safeguarded at all times. Do not loan your keys to anyone. Do not leave them lying around in public places or in your coat or jacket pocket when you are not wearing it. If you lose them or they are stolen, notify Public Safety immediately.
  6. When you leave your office or room, make sure that:
    • All windows are closed and locked.
    • All valuable items are under lock and key.
    • All desks and files are locked.
    • All doors are closed and locked.

Safety Practice for Pedestrians

Remain Visible

Make sure you’re visible to drivers at all times and make eye contact with them whenever possible. This is especially important at night, in low-light conditions such as dusk or dawn or in inclement weather.

Wear lightly colored or reflective clothing at night and brightly colored clothing during the day.

Stay in well-lit areas, especially when crossing the street. If possible, make eye contact with drivers in stopped vehicles to ensure they see you before you cross in front of them.

Stay Alert – Avoid Distractions

Distractions are everywhere today and becoming more and more difficult to avoid. Remember that, as a pedestrian, your eyes and ears are your best tools for keeping safe. Stay alert and watch out.

  • Put down your phone. Smartphones and handheld electronic devices are a daily part of life, but they take your eyes off of the road and distract your attention.
  • Don’t wear headphones. Your ears will tell you a lot about what is happening around you – be sure to use them.

Follow the Rules

  • Know and follow all traffic rules, signs, and signals. You need to be aware of the rules vehicles around you must follow to properly anticipate what drivers will do. This will help increase your safety.
  • Never assume a driver will give you the right of way. Make every effort to make eye contact with the driver of a stopped or approaching vehicle before entering the roadway.

Walk in Safe Places

  • Use crosswalks when crossing the street. If a crosswalk is unavailable, be sure to find the most well-lit spot on the road to cross and wait for a long enough gap in traffic to make it safely across the street.
  • Stay on sidewalks whenever possible. If a sidewalk is not available, be sure to walk on the far side of the road facing traffic. This will help increase your visibility to drivers.
  • Avoid walking along highways or other roadways where pedestrians are prohibited.

Avoid Alcohol Consumption

  • Almost half of all traffic crashes resulting in pedestrian casualties involve alcohol consumption. Alcohol impairs your decision-making skills, physical reflexes, and other abilities just as much on your feet as it does behind the wheel.

Personal Safety Tips

  • Don’t walk alone during late night hours. Walk in groups whenever possible; there is safety in numbers.
  • Let a friend or family member know where you will be going and when you should be arriving.
  • Stay in well-lighted areas. Avoid alleys, wooded areas, shortcuts, secluded areas, etc.
  • Don’t turn your phone volume up so loud that you can’t hear other noises around you.
  • Become familiar with the areas where you live, work and go to school. Know where to go if you are in need of help (Public Safety, Police Department, Fire Houses, Hospitals, etc.).
  • Carry your backpack or purse close to your body. Make sure that you keep your purse or backpack closed.
  • If you feel you are being followed, switch the direction you are walking, or cross the street. If the person is still there, head quickly to a safe place such as an open store or restaurant. Don’t be afraid to yell for help.
  • Always have your house/apartment/dorm key in your hands before you reach your door.
  • If someone attempts to rob you, do not fight or argue with them. You could wind up seriously injured or killed. Report the crime to the police and try to give an accurate description of the attacker. WHATEVER THEY ARE ATTEMPTING TO TAKE FROM YOU IS NOT WORTH YOUR LIFE!
  • Never walk away from an ATM with cash in your hand. Secure the money in your purse or wallet before leaving the ATM. If you are going to count your money, do so in a safe and secure spot.
  • Always lock your doors to your house/apartment/dorm room. Even if you are “just running down the hall,” it doesn’t take much time for someone to enter your home and steal your belongings.