Safety Tips

When walking :
-Don't walk alone, if possible.  You are an easier target if you are alone.
-Don't respond to strangers' attempts at conversation.
-Keep your purse pressed securely to your body to deter possible thefts.
-Dont' walk in the dark; use well-lit walkways whenever possible.
-Have your door or car keys ready so you don't have to dig for them in a purse or backback.
-Walk purposefully to project a no-nonsense image.
-Carry change for emergency calls.  (911 is a free emergency call.)
-Do not carry valuables or a lot of cash unless it can't be avoided.  Charge cards are more reliable; only  
 know the PIN.
-Trust  your instincts.  Stay away from a person or area that makes you uneasy.
-Walk on the sidewalk.  Avoid bushes, doorways, and alleyways where people can hide.
-Do not use a Walkman, IPOD or any other MP3 player.  This eliminates  hearing as a self-defense
 mechanism.
-Carry mace or pepper spray.  Learn how to use your mace or pepper spray and have it ready to use. 
 If this makes you uncomfortable, take a self-defense class offered on campus.
-Always let someone know where you are going and when you should be expected to return.
-Keep your cell phone close at hand.  If any emergency arises, you will have easier access to it.
-Program the Campus Police Department and 911 into your memory of your cell phone.

In your room, home, or apartment:
-Always lock your door when nobody is there or when you're home alone, even if it is only for a short  
 period of time.
-Don't leave keys hidden outside; thieves will find them.  Instead, make sure everyone who needs a
 key has their own copy.
-Don't put your address on your key ring.
-Don't leave messages on your door indicating that you are done and when you will return.
-Know your neighbors.
-Don't leave money in your room.  Instead, open a checking or savings account.
-Report any suspicious activity in your neighborhood; stop theft before it starts.
-Leave lights on (or TV or music) at your apartment or room, especially when nobody is home.
 This will give the appearance that somebody is home.
-Make sure the lights work around all entrances.
-If someone comes to your door asking to make a phone call, offer to make the phone call yourself
 instead.
-When in an elevator, stay as close to the control board as possible so you can get off as soon as
 possible if you need to.
-If you are unsure of the people in an elevator, wait for the next available one.
-Avoid confrontations with prowlers or burglars.
-Do not give  your phone number or any additional information to "wrong number" callers, telephone
 surveys, or telemarketing companies.
-Close windows, doors, curtains and blinds at night.

On public transportation:
-If someone is jostling or pushing you, make sure your purse and/or wallet is still intact.
-Don't open your wallet while you are on a bus or train.  Have your money or pass ready before
 boarding.
-If someone is making you feel uncomfortable, switch seats or tell the driver.
-During off-hours try to ride as close to the operator or driver as possible.
-Don't flash your jewelry.  Turn your rings to the inside so the stones don't show, and keep gold
 chains tucked inside your shirt or in your purse or in a pocket.

While driving or walking to your car:
-Have  your keys in hand when you are approaching your car.
-Make sure to lock your doors, even when you are driving.
-Keep yor valuables out of sight.
-Check the floor and backseat before entering your car.
-Use a lock bar that prohibits the use of your steering wheel.
-Always keep an emergency kit in your car.  Make sure it includes change for emergency calls.
-Park in well-lighted areas whenever possible.
-If  you are having car trouble, open the hood of your car and then stay inside the car with the doors
 locked until identifiable help comes.  If someone you don't know or trust comes to help you, stay
 inside and ask them to call the police or a towing company.
-Don not stop to help people on the side of the road.  Instead, call the police or a towing company.
-Do not pick up hitchhikers.
-If you are being followed, drive to a police station, fire station, or open place of business.
-Walk in the middle of the lanes whenever possible.  This will give you more reaction time if someone
 jumps out from behind a car.
-Keep your windows rolled all the way up when your car is parked.