When walking or jogging alone:

  • Stay alert and be mindful of your surroundings. Avoid using headphones.
  • Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, leave.
  • Know the area you are in and where you can go if you need help.
  • Vary your route and schedule.
  • Tell a friend where you are going and when you will return.
  • Avoid walking or jogging at night.
  • If you do go out at night – use the buddy system and make sure to wear reflective clothing.

Safety in your personal residence:

  • Never allow strangers to follow you into your building or invite them into your home.
  • Never give the impression you are home alone.
  • Always check the identification of any sales or service people before letting them in.
  • If you come home and find a door open or signs of forced entry call 911 immediately.
  • Don’t leave spare keys in mailboxes, under doormats, etc. Leave a spare key with a trusted friend or family member instead.
  • Never prop open doors or leave doors open.
  • Secure all doors and windows prior to leaving your residence.

Safety while on campus:

  • Be alert and aware of your surroundings.
  • Never leave your belongings unattended and keep valuables at home.
  • Always lock your doors.
  • Stay in well-lit areas.
  • Notify Campus Security and EH&S immediately of any suspicious or criminal activity.

Property Security:

  • Never leave textbooks, purses, or book bags unattended.
  • Secure cash, checkbooks, and credit cards in a safe place.
  • Carry only small amounts of cash.
  • Record the serial numbers of expensive equipment such as laptops, phones, cameras, etc. and keep that information in a safe place in the event the item is stolen.
  • Call 911 and (if on campus) Campus Security and EH&S immediately to report lost or stolen property.

Bicycle Security:

  • Invest in a good lock, such as a U-shaped hardened steel padlock.
  • Lock the bike frame and wheels to a bike rack (not trees, posts, etc.).
  • Use a helmet and obey all traffic laws.

Vehicle Safety:

  • Do not use your cell phone while driving.
  • Ensure you adhere to the posted speed limit.
  • Close all windows, lock all doors and take your keys with you.
  • Never leave your car’s engine running, even if you will only be gone for a minute.
  • Activate any anti-theft devices.
  • Always have your keys ready when approaching your vehicle.
  • Do not leave valuables in plain view. Lock them in your trunk.
  • Park in well-lit areas.
  • Obey all traffic laws.

Mail Safety:

Characteristics of Suspicious Mail:

  • A suspicious package may be in the form of a letter, envelope, box, briefcase, suitcase, backpack, duffel bag, pipe, etc., and can be identified by any of the following characteristics:
  • Excessive postage
  • No return address
  • Excessive amounts of tape or string
  • Package is leaking or has stains
  • Noticeable protruding wires
  • Strange sounds emanating from the package
  • Strange odor
  • Package was left in a strange area
  • Poor handwriting
  • Misspelled words
  • Any characteristics pertaining to the package that would make a reasonable person concerned about its legitimacy

What do I do with a suspicious piece of mail?

  • Isolate the mail piece if possible.
  • Do not open, shake or smell the item.
  • Evacuate the immediate area.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. This also applies to everyone that has handled the mail piece.
  • Call 911 and (if on campus) notify Campus Security and EH&S

Online Safety:

  • Never post your personal information (address, phone number, etc.) on social media.
  • Avoid posting when you are on vacation to social media sites. Criminals can use this information as an opportunity to burglarize your residence.
  • Never click links that look suspicious. Links in emails, tweets, posts and online advertising are often ways for cybercriminals to compromise your computer.
  • Secure your accounts with strong passwords. Avoid using the same password for every online account.