Safety on Campus
- Lock your door whenever you leave. Take your keys with you, even if you'll be gone a short while.
- Keep all doors locked when you are sleeping.
- Never lend out your keys or leave your door unlocked for a friend.
- When walking, avoid dark, vacant or deserted areas. If you are followed or see suspicious activity, move to a lighted building or area and raise a commotion.
- Activate a Police Help Phone (the yellow call box with a blue light on top) or a fire box.
- If at all possible, avoid walking alone at night. Call the Escort Van at 471-4441, or have a friend escort you both ways.
- Do not jog alone, day or night, even in populated areas with street lights. Since most people will be indoors, help could be delayed.
- Do not hitchhike, day or night.
- Dress in clothes and shoes that will allow you to move quickly.
- If you carry a purse, briefcase or backpack, keep only a small amount of cash in it. If possible, do not carry a purse.
- Keep your keys in hand when you are walking at night.
- Carry a noise-making device, such as a whistle, and have it ready to use.
- Be alert, observant and aware of your surroundings and any other people on the street with you.
- If you work or study late, alert a friend so they know where you are and when you will return.
- Use a well-traveled and well-lighted route.
- Walk purposefully, briskly and keep moving.
- Walk in the center of the sidewalk away from buildings, doorways, hedges and parked cars.
- Walk on the side of the street facing oncoming traffic. If a car pulls next to you going the same way, reverse your direction.
- Join any group of people nearby or across the street and increase your pace.
- If you believe a threat is imminent and you see people nearby to help you, yell, scream or make a commotion in any way you can.
- If you see someone else in trouble, call 911 immediately.
- Do not prop open residence hall outside doors or your room door.
- Keep room and car keys on separate rings. When leaving your car for service, leave only your ignition key.
- Do not attach your address to your key chain.
- Get to know your neighbors so you can help each other.
- Do not allow strangers to enter your room unless they are properly identified.
- If a stranger enters your room, demand that he or she leave. If the person refuses, create a commotion, leave quickly and call for assistance.
- If a stranger tries to engage you in a conversation, use discretion before stopping to talk. It is a good idea to say you are in a hurry to meet someone.
- Have the access card to your residence ready as you approach your building.
- If a taxi or automobile drops you off, ask the driver to wait until you are safely inside.
- Do not keep large sums of money in your room.
- If you are accosted in a hallway or public area of a residence hall and feel that you are in danger, create a commotion and call UTPD at 471-4441.
- Individuals who use alcohol should drink in moderation to avoid situations where their judgment would be impaired.
- Remember, report any suspicious person or activities to the UTPD at 471-4441.
