College makes you feel safe because there are always people around, but it is important to know how look out for yourself. Everyone can help to make college campuses safer. If you are a victim of violence in any way, make sure that you contact your local campus resources or local police station for help.
Increasing On-Campus Safety:
Know Your Resources
Call 911 and know the phone number to Public Safety in case of emergency. Make sure to have access to the campus health center and the campus police station. Also keep note where emergency phones or other emergency stations are located.
Stay Alert
When moving around campus, always be aware of your surroundings. Especially when walking home from class at night. Consider inviting a friend to join you when walking around. If you are alone, only use headphones in one ear so you can still be aware of your surroundings.
Location
Many social media sights allow you to share your location with many different people on your friends list. Consider disabling your location functions so that you can ensure that no one can follow you or track you.
Trust
A college environment can form a false sense of security. Make sure that you are careful with your valuables and don’t rely on people you don’t know.
Be Secure
Even though college may not seem like a dangerous place, lock your doors and windows at night. Keep your door locked during the day as well, especially if you’re not there and even if you’re only using the bathroom. Never leave your belongings in a public area.
Increasing Safety Outside Campus:
Plan Ahead
If you’re going to a party, make sure to plan ahead. Leave and return with people that you trust. Agree to watch out for each other and keep in touch if you get separated. Don’t leave anyone alone or behind.
Don’t Leave Your Drink Unattended
Don’t take a drink from anyone you didn’t watch make it. If you go to the bathroom or walk outside, take it with you. It is important to remember that if someone tampered with your drink, you probably wouldn’t know it as most substances have no color, taste, or odor.
Know Your Limits
Keep track of how many drinks you’ve had and be aware of your friends’ behavior as well. Know your limits and know when you’ve had enough. If someone is ever drinking too much, make sure you contact help immediately.
Trust Your Instincts And Be A Good Friend
If you see a friend in a situation that doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t. Look out for your friends and they will certainly return the favor.
Know When To Say ‘No’
If you’re ever in a situation that you don’t feel comfortable in, it’s okay to leave. You aren’t obligated to stay in a place where you feel unsafe. If you feel the need to lie to protect yourself, some good excuses to leave are to help another friend or family member, an urgent phone call, not feeling well, or having to be somewhere else by a certain time.
My Alarm Center can provide extra security with home security system installation for off campus housing.