With colleges starting up in the next few weeks, I thought I’d share
some campus security tips with students, parents of students & those who
know students, so that we can help keep them safe on campus.
Protect your residence by following a few simple security rules:
Note the condition of the doors and window locks and the lighting both
outside and inside your room. Demand improvements if necessary.
Always lock your doors and windows, even if you plan to be gone only a
short time.
Become familiar with your roommates and neighbors, and encourage their
efforts at crime prevention.
Prepare for dangerous encounters by discussing what you would do if
you were threatened or attacked.
Look out for each other’s safety, and report any crime to the campus
police.
Don’t keep valuables or large sums of money in your dorm room.
Keep a complete and up-to-date inventory of your valuables.
Determine if the campus security office has an organized tagging or
labeling system for stereos, TVs, computers, and so on. Use the system
if it’s offered.
Always lock your bike or vehicle securely, and be cautious in parking
areas. Park only in well-lighted areas that are well-traveled.
Maintain a record of anyone with a key to your room, and be sure to
request a change of lock if a key falls into the wrong hands or if it
is lost.
Do not leave visitors alone in your room when you are away. Never let
a stranger into the room, especially if you are alone.
In addition to dorm security, follow these rules for campus security:
Exercise caution when giving out your phone number.
Keep a list of emergency numbers handy, including campus security.
Provide an updated list of emergency and next-of-kin information to
the college’s registration office.
Do not give your student ID number or Social Security number to anyone
other than college faculty, administration, or staff. Never leave any
papers lying around that have your ID number on them, especially in
registration areas.
Secure your personal belongings in class, the restroom, library,
cafeteria, and computer facilities.
Never let your handbag, books, or backpack out of your site.
Avoid deserted and isolated areas such as empty classrooms,
stairwells, elevators, library stacks, laboratories, and department
offices.
Follow safety rules when walking alone off-campus. Be especially alert
if the surrounding area is a high-crime neighborhood. Ask the security
office for an escort or shuttle service across campus at night, or
form your own.
Avoid exercising or jogging outside at night or early in the morning,
unless with a group.
Ask your security office for further crime-prevention tips, and be
aware of security problems on campus.
Identify two separate exits from each campus building that you
frequent.
You should also research the school before you go to find out more about the reported
crime statistics. If the college or university is compliant with the Cleary
Act, they will have this information available. (Being non-compliant
can cost the school over $57,000 per infraction, so they better be
compliant.)
A good resource for additional tips is:
Ira Lipman’s “How To Be Safe: Protect Yourself, Your Home, Your Family, And Your Business From Crime.”