Personal Safety Tips*

• Be alert! Walk with confidence and purpose.
• Be aware of your surrounding - know who's out there and what's going on. Report suspicious persons or vehicles to the proper authorities.
• Don't let alcohol or other drugs cloud your judgment.
• Trust your instincts. If a situation or place makes you feel uncomfortable or uneasy, leave!

Indoors

• Be wary of isolated spots - apartment laundry rooms, underground garages, parking lots, offices after business hours. Walk with a friend, co-worker, or security guard, particularly at night. On campus call CSO 24 hours a day at 664-7777 for a safety escort.
• Know your neighbors, so you have someone to call or go to if you're scared. Furthermore identify a person that you trust that you would go to if you were assaulted, raped or burglarized.
• Never prop locked doors open. These doors are locked to protect you and others.

Outdoors

• Avoid walking or jogging alone, especially at night. Stay in well-traveled, well-lighted areas.
• Wear clothes and shoes that give you freedom of movement.
• Be careful if anyone in a car asks you for directions - if you answer, keep your distance from the car.
• Have your key ready before you reach the door - home, car, or office.
• If you think you're being followed, change direction and head for open stores, restaurants, theaters, or a lighted house.

In Your Car

• Park in areas that will be well-lighted and well-traveled when you return.
• Always lock your car - when you get in and when you get out.
• Look around your car and in the back seat before you get in.
• If your car breaks down, lift the hood, lock the doors, and turn on your flashers. Use a Call Police banner or flares. If someone stops, roll the window down slightly and ask the person to call the police or a tow service.
• Don't hitchhike, ever. Don't pick up a hitchhiker.
• If someone in a car ask for assistance do not get close to the car.
• If a car approaches you and you feel threatened, scream and run in the direction opposite of the one the car is going.
• If you feel you are being followed go to the nearest open business, police department, fire department, or any area where other people will be. Call the Police from there.
• If you carry a purse, hold it close to your body.
• Have your key ready to enter your residence or car.

Driving Safety Tips

• Never pick up hitchhikers.
• When traveling always let someone know your travel logistics, including where you are going, when you are returning, and how someone could contact you in case of an emergency.
• Always keep your car doors locked.
• When parking at night, select a place that will be well-lit when returning to the car.
• Look in back seat and floor board before entering your car.
• When approaching your car in a parking lot look all around the area for anything that does not look right. If you see anything that looks suspicious near your car keep going and call the Police as soon as possible. If you can get in your car safely, lock the doors and go somewhere and contact the Police about your suspicions.
• Keep gas above 1/4 tank.
• When ever possible travel on well lighted streets.
• If you are ever being followed go to the nearest police department, fire department, or open business. If vehicle pulls in behind you and you do not know the individual blow the car horn to attract attention. DO NOT GET OUT OF CAR UNTIL YOU ARE SAFE.
• If your car is being repaired leave only the car keys with the repair shop.
• If you are having car problems and can not raise the hood, stay in the car and wait for help. If someone stops to help, roll down the window just enough to talk to them and ask them to call a relative, friend, garage or the police for you.

*This resource is provided, in part, by the National Crime Prevention Council and their website (www.ncpc.org). Additional campus-specific tips were provided by Student Development.