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Safety Tips

PROTECTING YOURSELF AT HOME, IN YOUR ROOM, DORM OR APARTMENT

  • Lock your door, even when you intend to return home shortly or even if you are just going down the hall. It takes a thief ten seconds or less to enter an open room and steal your property.
  • Participate in Operation I.D.
  • Lock or secure doors and windows when you are alone or asleep.
  • Keep emergency numbers by your phone.
  • Do not leave messages on your door indicating that you are away and when you will return.
  • Do not let strangers enter dormitory or premises.
  • Do not prop open outer doors.
  • If someone asks to use your phone for an emergency call, offer to telephone for them instead of allowing them access.
  • Follow all fire safety regulations.
  • Do not put your address on your key ring.
  • Know your neighbors.
  • Do not leave keys in hiding places. Thieves will find them. Carry your keys or make sure that anyone who truly needs them has their own copy.
  • Call 259-5555 to report suspicious persons or activity in or around your neighborhood. Off campus, call 911.
  • Open a savings or checking account instead of keeping money in your room.
  • Keep automatic teller machine cards in a safe place, keep your PIN number secret. When possible, only use ATM's during the day.
  • Instead of carrying large sums of cash use a charge card. Some charge cards insure property purchased with those cards against loss, theft or damage.
  • If you find yourself in immediate danger, try to stay calm and get away at the first opportunity.  For help on campus, call 259-5555 or Off campus, call 911.
PROTECT YOURSELF WHEN WALKING
  • Utilize the VSUPD Escort Program
  • Avoid walking alone at night unless absolutely necessary.
  • Keep to well lit, commonly traveled routes.
  • Avoid shortcuts and dark, isolated areas.
  • Walk purposefully, know where you are going, project a no-nonsense image.
  • Know the location of the emergency phones.
  • Avoid potentially dangerous situations.
  • If you feel threatened, cross the street, locate an emergency phone, or enter a store or place of business even if you have just left it.
  • Have your door keys/access card ready; carry them in your pockets, not buried in a purse.
  • Sign up for a free R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense) Course sponsored by the University Police.
PROTECT YOUR AUTO, BICYCLE OR MOPED
  • Always lock your car. (One in five stolen cars was left with keys in the ignition.)
  • Lock bikes to immovable objects or bike racks with hardened-alloy locks and chains or u-shaped locks.
  • Join the B.A.T. (Bicycle Anti-Theft) Program
  • Do not leave tempting valuables or property visible inside the car. Lock these items in the trunk.
  • Lock mopeds as you would bikes.
PROTECTING YOURSELF WHEN DRIVING
  • Look into your car before getting in. Lock doors and roll up windows once inside for protection.
  • Never pick up hitchhikers.
  • Carry change for emergency calls. 911 is a free call.  Or better yet, invest in a cell phone.
  • Drive to a police or fire station or open place of business if you feel you are being followed.
  • Do not stop to help occupants of stopped or disabled vehicles. Continue driving to the nearest phone and call assistance for them.
  • Raise the hood, then lock yourself into your car if it breaks down. If someone stops and offers you help, remain in your car and ask them to phone for help. Do not worry about seeming rude.

Taking off for the Holidays? Here are a few safety tips to make it more enjoyable.

1. Before you leave your residence hall...

  • Secure your valuables and lock them in your closet.
  • Close drapes and blinds.
  • Be sure that your doors and windows are secure.
  • If you have a bicycle, either store it in your room or take it with you.
2. Secure your home or apartment.
  • Try to make your home look like someone is still there.
  • Have a trusted friend or neighbor pick up your newspaper and mail.
  • Put timers on your lights and radio.
  • Arrange to have your grass cut.
3. Don't forget your vehicle.
  • Be sure that your car is in good mechanical condition and fully serviced.
  • Check tires for wear and correct air pressure.
  • Ensure that the gas doesn't go below half a tank.
4. While on the road...
  • Wear your seatbelt.
  • Stop only in well-lighted and populated areas.
  • Carry a quality chemical defense spray.
  • Keep all doors locked and valuables out of sight.
  • Don't start to party before you reach your destination.
  • If you have a cell phone, remember to take it with you for emergencies.
  • It's a good idea to have a "Call Police" sign to be placed on a rear window in an emergency.
5. At the airport...
  • Never leave your baggage unattended, especially in restrooms.
  • Make photocopies of your passports, credit cards, and other important papers. Keep one copy and
  • give one copy to a family member or trusted friend.
  • It is a good idea to put your work address/business card on your luggage tags.
  • All items brought on board an aircraft can and probably will be searched. Wrapped gifts may be unwrapped for identification purposes.
6. At the hotel/motel...
  • Carry as little cash as possible. Use travelers' checks and credit cards instead.
  • Use the hotel safe for your valuables.
  • While in your room, keep the door locked and always use the peephole before opening the door.
  • Be aware of emergency exits and procedures in the hotel.