Do you know how to be safe on-campus? Or better, do you know what to do if something happens to you or someone else while on-campus?
Most students don’t know how to ensure their safety throughout the college campus or dorms. Subsequently, when faced with particular circumstances, they are not sure how to deal with them.
Hence, this is why every student should read a campus safety guide and, if they want to be extra-cautious, know a reputed accident injury lawyer they can rely on in case they get hurt because of someone else.
Campus Safety Office
Every university or school should come with a security office that students can rely on when something happens. After determining whether your institution has one of these, you should:
- Learn their schedule and ask for safety resources, information, and other relevant programs.
- Find out if the office provides students with safety services, such as safety apps, safety maps, escort services, and even blue light phone stations for emergencies.
- Ask for the campus’ safety report. Schools are required to file an annual safety report containing crime statistics, emergency procedures, and safety plants within the campus via their safety office.
After Dark Precautions
Most campuses and on-campus dorms can be accessed by anyone, even if they’re not students of that school/university. This means that, after dark, you could come across drunk colleagues or strangers with vile intentions.
- During the night, it is recommended to walk with a buddy – always.
- If you have to walk alone during the night or under the influence, some institutions can offer you rides via their campus security. Take advantage of them to get home safe.
- Park only in well-lit areas or areas with high traffic levels.
- If you’re going out after dark, make sure your close friends and family know where you are and when you get back to your room. If something happens, they’ll provide the authorities with vital information regarding your whereabouts.
Smart Social Media Actions
Nowadays, many criminal activities happen thanks to people who use social media without thinking twice about the potential consequences. In short:
- Geotagging your pictures may show strangers/stalkers where you are. They can either follow you or break into your car, knowing that you’re not using it.
- Leave the “on holiday” announcements and pictures for when you return. Never let people know that your car is all alone in the campus parking lot or that your dorm room is empty for holidays.
- Log out of your social media accounts, even from your own devices. You can easily lose your phone or laptop on-campus. If someone finds it, the chances are that they won’t return it and may also use your social media accounts for offensive postings.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, you have to first and foremost make sure whether your campus has a safety and security office that you can rely on if you get in trouble. Knowing what they can help you with can be vital in a dangerous situation.
At the same time, always keep in mind that most of the people walking around campus or living in its dorms are total strangers. You don’t know their background and what they’re capable of – in short, better be safe than sorry!
