Top 10 Personal Safety Tips
- Make the call. Program Public Safety's phone number into your cell phone so you have it at your fingertips in the event of an emergency on campus. If you see a crime in progress or even something suspicious, don't hesitate to make the call! Contact Public Safety by using the RAVE Guardian app, a blue light phone, or another emergency telephone, or contact Public Safety by dialing 607-274-3333.
- Empower yourself. Enroll in a self-defense course! Public Safety offers two self-defense programs each semester. One course is open to the entire student population and the second is a self-defense program designed specifically for women. These courses are designed to give you the tools that may help save your life by empowering you to use your voice, physical defense, and develop self-reliance.
- Don't walk alone. There is always strength in numbers. Walking with a friend or group of friends, particularly at night, is good practice whether you are on or off campus. The Student Auxiliary Safety Patrol (SASP) provides a walking safety escort service on campus during the evening hours of 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.; however, students can request a walking escort to on-campus locations at any time of day or night by calling the Office of Public Safety at 607-274-3333 or by utilizing the nearest blue-light phone.
- Protect your property. Never leave items like your backpack, laptop, or cell phone unattended - even if it's just for a minute. Make it a habit to take these valuables with you.
- Report solicitors. Quick-cash employment offers are some of the common methods criminals use to take your money. Avoid solicitor scams by politely saying no and immediately notifying Public Safety. Never provide a solicitor with your personal information.
- Transportation planning. Be sure to have a transportation plan in place when traveling to/from campus! Carpooling and ridesharing (Uber and Lyft) are great options for transportation. If you are on the bus, stay awake and keep your personal belongings close to you. If someone is bothering or harassing you, move to another seat location and/or tell the person in a loud voice to “stay away” and report it to the driver.
- Grab it. Close it. Lock it. Never leave valuables in your car or items in plain view. Take items like GPS devices, removable stereo faceplates, and electronics with you. Make sure your windows are up and the doors are locked. Apply a security device or set the alarm.
- Keep personal information private. Avoid becoming a victim of identity theft by carrying only the necessary items in your wallet or purse. Don't give personal information to solicitors. Do not put personal information on your web page or social media sites and do not give personal information that can identify where you live.
- Keep your residence hall room and building locked and secure. A propped open door is a perfect target for unwelcome visitors and allows them quick and easy access to your belongings and the belongings of others. If your room has additional doors and windows, always be sure they are closed and locked as well. Even if you're going next door to a friend's room, always grab your keys and lock the door.