General Safety Tips

There are a number of things you can do to increase your personal security.

• Be aware of your surroundings and remain alert.
• Secure the windows and lock all doors to your vehicle, residence hall room, apartment, and office at all times.
• Try to avoid isolated areas or being isolated with someone you do not know or trust.
• Communicate with friends and family about where you are going, who you are with, and when you anticipate leaving or arriving.
• Try to attend social gatherings with friends and develop plans to stay together so you can look out for one another.
• Consume alcohol responsibly and do not accept drinks from people you do not know or leave your drink unattended.
• Trust your instincts. If something or someone makes you uneasy, avoid the person or leave. If you see something, say something.
• Plan the safest route to your destination; choose well-lighted, busy pathways and streets when possible. Avoid alleys, vacant lots, wooded areas, and other shortcuts or secluded areas. They are usually not well-lit or heavily traveled.
• Do not leave external doors propped open. If you find a door propped open, close it.
• Avoid allowing strangers to “piggyback” on your access card.
• Do not carry social security cards and birth certificates in your purse or wallet. Do not attach PIN numbers to debit or credit cards.
• Walk on the sidewalk whenever possible. Walk close to the curb, avoiding doorways, bushes, and other potential hiding places.
• If you must walk in the street, walk facing traffic. A person walking with traffic can be followed, forced into a car, and abducted more easily than a person walking against traffic.
• When walking late at night or through an unfamiliar area, walk with purpose and intentionality.
• Whenever possible, secure valuables out of sight.
• If you ride your bike to campus, secure it with a U-lock instead of a cable lock.