1. Program the number for campus security in your phone and use it if you ever feel unsafe or threatened.
2. Enroll in your college’s emergency notification system. It will update you via email or cell phone of any emergency situations and give you specific instructions on where and what to do.
3. Walk across campus with a buddy, especially at night, and stick to well-lit parts of campus. Most colleges offer a Safety Escort that can accompany if you find yourself uneasy or apprehensive about walking to your car, residence hall, or parking lot.
4. Lock your dorm room and windows when you leave, and if you have a car or bike on campus, lock that up too.
5. Use your common sense to stay safe, no matter where you are! Be aware of your surroundings; don’t be so absorbed on your phone that you get distracted and forget about your safety!
6. Pepper spray or mace can also help with self-defense but be aware of campus policy before carrying.
If you would like to download a safety-and security- statistical report from the Department of Education on your college, here’s the link https://ope.ed.gov/campussafety/#/.
Cindy - ICAN Hiawatha Center
