Department of Public Safety > Crime Prevention > Safety Tips

Safety Tips

Residential Safety

  • Only admit your own visitors to the residence halls.
  • Make sure outside doors of residence halls shut securely behind you.
  • Do not loan your room key to anyone.
  • Make sure your apartment or dorm room has secure locks on doors and windows.
  • Always lock your apartment or dorm room even if you are going to be gone for just a few minutes. Be sure to lock your doors at night as well.
  • Have the locks changed if you ever lose the keys to your residence.
  • Leave lights or a radio on at your apartment so it looks like someone is always home.
  • Never open the door for someone you do not know.
  • Ask anyone who gives you a ride home to wait around until you have safely entered your apartment or dorm building.

Parking Lot Safety

  • Always lock your car.
  • Place valuables in the trunk or under the seats.
  • Have your keys in hand before you leave to go to your car.
  • Have someone walk you to your car, especially at night (if possible).
  • Utilize your campus’s escort service if you feel you might be in danger.
  • Check your backseat before entering your car.

Personal Safety

  • Never walk alone, especially at night.
  • Be alert to your surroundings and walk with confidence.
  • Walk where the sidewalks are well lit and well traveled.
  • Trust your gut. If you feel like someone is following you, go to a populated place where people can help you and then call campus police.
  • Do not wear a radio headset when you are walking on campus.
  • Know where campus emergency phones are located.

ATM Safety

  • Be alert to your surroundings.
  • Take a friend with you (if possible).
  • Have your ATM card in your pocket for easy access.
  • Do not give anyone your personal identification number.
  • Stand directly in front of the teller machine so no one will see your information.
  • Make eye contact with anyone standing in line. If anyone seems suspicious, cancel your transaction and return later.
  • Store your cash in a safe place as soon as you receive it. You can always count it later.
  • Report any lost ATM cards to your bank.
Plan your trip to the ATM during daylight hours (if possible)