16 ways to stay safe at college

SUBMITTED BY OFFICER KELLEY FISHER

1. Make sure the door to your residence hall is locked at all times. You wouldn’t just leave the front door to your house open, would you? Propping the doors is common because it is easy and quick access, but doing this leaves an open invitation to those who do not belong.

2. Don’t let anyone you do not know into your Residence building. If you have a gut feeling they don’t belong on campus, you are probably right.

3. Make sure your room door is locked at all times. Yes, this even means when you run down the hall just for a minute!

4. Be careful with your keys. Also, if you lose them, don’t depend on your roommate to keep letting you in, thinking that your keys will just “pop up.”

5. If you have a car, lock it. It seems so easy to remember, yet it’s so easy to forget.

6. While entering and exiting your car, check your surroundings. Be vigilante of who is around you.

7. Register your laptop and bicycle with Campus Police. This service is free and can help us locate your property if it is stolen.

8. Watch your stuff in the library. It’s easy to step away from your belongings while you grab a drink or bite to eat, just as someone happens to walk by and see your iPod and laptop unattended.

9. Be familiar with the layout of Campus and familiarize yourself with the Blue Emergency Telephones.

10. Put emergency numbers in your cell phone. If you needed help during an emergency, are the numbers programmed into your cellular phone? (AAA, Tow Truck, Police, Family)

11.Use the campus escort service at night. You may feel embarrassed, but it’s such a smart idea. And besides, who wouldn’t want a free ride?!

12. Always go somewhere at night with a friend. Male or female, big or small, safe neighborhood or not, this is always a good idea.

13. Make sure someone knows where you are at all times. Heading out to the local Pub? Going out on a date? Let someone (a friend, a roommate, etc.) know where you’re going and what time you expect to get back.

14. If you live off-campus, call someone when you get home.

15. Avoid dark, unlit places at night by yourself. Walking back to your dorm by yourself? Call a friend, or family member. Let them know what you are doing and where you are.

16. Take advantage of Safety Discussions and Programs on campus that are offered to you. Ask questions and never be afraid to contact Campus Police for assistance. 941-487-4210. New College Police provides Crime Prevention and Safety Talk’s.

For further information you may contact Officer Kelley Fisher at kfisher@ncf.edu or 941-487-4210

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