Campus Safety

Spring Break Safety Tips

THE DEPARTMENT OF CAMPUS SAFETY WOULD LIKE TO WISH EVERYONE A WONDERFUL AND SAFE SPRING BREAK.  THIS IS A MUCH-NEEDED AND WELL-EARNED OPPORTUNITY TO RELAX AND UNWIND.  PLEASE TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO READ ABOUT SOME SAFETY TIPS TO REDUCE RISKS DURING YOUR TIME AWAY FROM CAMPUS, AT HOME, ON THE ROAD, OR GOING OUT FOR THE EVENING. 

Options to Consider Before You Leave

  • Be sure to let numerous people that you trust know where you are going, the route you plan to take, when you plan to arrive, and how to contact you. If your plans change let them know that as well. 
  • Avoid posting identifying information about yourself, where you live, that you are leaving and how long you will be gone on social media.  Wait to post pictures when you return.
  • Student’s in-residence halls, please adhere to ResX room policies, and remember to lock your door.
  • Save telephone numbers for your credit card company on your cell phone so you can cancel ASAP if your cards are lost or stolen.
  • Write down important phone numbers you don’t have memorized in case you lose your phone or run out of battery power.
  • Store your bike inside your room if you have space and it doesn’t interfere with your roommate’s space or egress.
  • If you must leave your bike on the bike rack, double check your bike is properly secured to your bike frame, front tire if possible, and to the bike rack.
  • Please register your bike with campus safety: /offices/campussafety/safety-programs-and-services/bike-registration.html

Road Trip Tips

  • Ensure you are up to date with your vehicle maintenance to include washer fluid and tire pressure.
  • If possible don’t travel alone.
  • Never pick up hitchhikers. 
  • Park in well-lit visible areas. 
  • If you are feeling sleepy pull over at a public area to rest or rotate drivers. 
  • Don’t drive under the influence of any substance that may impair your ability to drive safely. 
  • When leaving your vehicle, always lock your car doors. Don’t leave valuables or perceived valuables in your vehicle and cover what you can’t remove.
  • Ensure you have extra blankets, warm clothes, water, food, and snacks in case of inclement winter weather.  Check the weather before departure.
  • Bring your phone charger and a portable power bank. 
  • Take photos of your ID, credit cards, insurance cards and other important documents and store them safely in your phone.
  • Write down your phone number, address or parents phone number and put it in your wallet in case you lose your phone, so you have numbers to call.

Using the ATM

  • If you must use an ATM, choose one inside a bank, mall, or well-lighted location. Withdraw only the amount of cash you need.
  • Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings when you use an ATM.
  • If you notice anything unusual, cancel your transaction, pocket your card, and leave immediately. Get to safety and call the police.
  • When you arrive at the ATM, have everything ready (deposit slips, card). When you have completed your transaction, pocket your cash and card immediately.
  • When using a drive-up ATM, keep the car running, your doors locked, and all windows except the driver’s side window rolled up.
  • Protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad from anyone standing near you.
  • Do not throw your ATM receipt away at the ATM location.
  • Treat your ATM card like cash and guard it carefully. Never write your PIN on the card or give account numbers or card information over the phone unless you know exactly to whom you speak.

Hotel/Motel Safety

  • Use all hotel locks available on your door, even when you’re in your room. 
  • Store valuables in the room safe. 
  • Don’t tell strangers the name of your hotel, your room number, or other personal information. 
  • Don’t prop your hotel door or open your door to strangers. Use the peep hole before opening the door or call the front desk for assistance.

Out On The Town

  • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Take only what you absolutely need. 
  • Keep purses closed and tight against your body. The smaller the purse or no purse the better. 
  • Write down important numbers of emergency contacts or friends in case you lose your phone or run out of battery power.
  • Always let someone know where you are going, who you are with, and when you will return. 
  • Avoid going off with strangers and coordinate a check-in plan with friends/family.
  • Consume responsible amounts of alcohol.  Being impaired may impact your judgment and place you in potentially dangerous situations.
  • Never consume beverages from an unknown source or a stranger.
  • Never leave your beverage unattended or uncovered and consider using a cup with a lid or invest in a cup cover.
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