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Personal Safety

Residence Halls

  • Have your key or access card ready when you approach your door.  Close and lock the door immediately after you enter. 
  • Keep your door locked at all times, even when you are at home.  Make an agreement with your roommate(s) that you will take a key or access card with you whenever you are out instead of leaving a door unlocked for each other.
  • If you have to step outside of your room even for a minute, lock your door.  It only takes seconds for a thief to enter your room and take your property.

Off Campus

  • Have your key ready as you approach your door.  If something appears to be wrong, do not enter your residence.  Call 911 for assistance.  It is better to be safe than sorry.
  • Do not hide a key outside of your residence. 
  • Keep doors and windows locked with deadbolts.
  • Know your neighbors and who you can trust in the event of an emergency.
  • Know who is at the door before you open it.  Demand identification from anyone you do not know, particularly repair or sales persons.
  • Do not let anyone into your home to use your phone.  Offer to place the call for them while keeping your door locked.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

  • Do not walk alone on campus at night.  Take the shuttle bus or call Public Safety (280-2104) for an escort.
  • Know the locations of emergency telephones on campus. 
  • Don't take shortcuts through alleys or vacant lots.
  • If you feel that you are being followed, stay in a lighted area and seek safety in a public building.

In Your Car

  • Keep your vehicle locked at all times, whether it is parked or you are driving, and keep the windows up.  It's easy for someone to stick a hand in your vehicle to unlock the door while you are stopped in traffic.
  • Have your keys in your hand as you approach your vehicle.
  • Check the back seat and floor before you enter.
  • Park in well-lit, crowded areas, but avoid parking next to large vehicles such as vans.
  • If you have vehicle problems and someone stops to help, roll down the window only an inch and ask him or her to call the police or auto club.
  • Never pick up hitchhikers.

Follow Your Instincts

  • If something doesn't feel right to you, listen to your instincts and get out of an area or situation immediately.