SAFETY TIPS

Personal Safety Tips 

• Trust your instincts. If you're walking on campus and have a feeling that something is wrong, then something may be wrong. Change directions to a well-traveled, well-lit area and head toward a red emergency phone, to campus safety in the maintenance building or to your student residence.
• Avoid displaying large amounts of cash or other tempting targets like jewelry or valuable objects.
• Do not leave items unattended. Take purses and backpacks with you when you take a break. Always keep personal belongings in view while in class or the library.
• Use the buddy system. Travel with a friend or in groups, especially at night.
• If you must walk alone, make sure you have some type of deterrent device and know how to use it. Even keys, pens and pencils can be used as defensive devices in an emergency.
• Stick to well-lit areas when walking at night.
• Avoid shortcuts through wooded areas.
• Stay on parts of the sidewalk that are farthest away from shrubs or other areas where people can hide.
• Walk at a steady pace - appear confident and purposeful.
• Be alert. Listen for footsteps and voices. The smell of cologne or cigarette smoke may indicate that someone is nearby.
• Avoid jogging alone.
• If you receive a harassing phone call on campus, hang up immediately. If the calls persist, notify campus safety.
• Know where the red emergency phones are located in Bogel Hall with each giving you a direct link to campus safety.
• Take advantage of Hilbert's free and convenient 24-hour safety escort service to and from any place on campus property by calling 479-1233.
• Share your class and activities schedule with your family and close friends and let them know when to expect you.
• Carry a cellular phone and program the speed dial with emergency numbers.
• Only accept rides from people you know and trust.
• Never accept drinks from anyone who is not a close friend and never leave a drink unattended.
• When going out, carry only items you need. Leave extra cash, credit cards and jewelry home or in your residence hall room/apartment bedroom in a safe location.

Resident Student Safety Tips

• Do not prop open the residence building door and close those that you find propped open. The locks are designed to allow only student residents to have access. Propping doors open will allow non-residents to enter, jeopardizing your safety and that of everyone in the building.
• Don't let strangers in the building or allow them to "tailgate" or follow you through after opening the door.
• Lock your door even if you are only leaving your room for a few minutes and don't leave it unlocked for a roommate.
• Keep cash and jewelry out of sight and hidden in a locked drawer, cabinet or closet.
• Do not leave valuables like cameras, portable stereos, checkbooks or credit cards in plain view.
• Purchase a small safe, trunk or filing cabinet to secure valuables.
• Engrave valuable items with an ID number and be sure to keep a record of items such as computers, TVs, radios, stereos, answering machines, cameras, etc. You might also want to keep a record of this information at home or another offsite location.
• Keep your blinds closed so others cannot observe you or your possessions from the outside.

Vehicle Safety Tips

• Park in well-lit areas at night.
• Don't leave valuable items in plain view inside your vehicle. It's best to lock these items in your vehicle's trunk.
• Do not leave your car keys in your vehicle.
• Lock your vehicle's doors, roll up the windows, close the top if a convertible or has a sunroof, and use your vehicle's anti-theft device if there is one.