College life is a time for new friends, new living arrangements, new experiences and new threats. The first lesson to learn in college is how to be safe on and around your campus.
The Basics:
Reduce the risk of becoming a victim of theft or assault by remembering to lock your doors (even just to go down the hall to the laundry room), keeping valuables (laptops, ipods, etc) out of plain site, close windows on the first floor and ensure that anytime you access a secure building with your card swipe that you are aware if other individuals enter the building behind you. Never prop the exterior security door, for this is just inviting trouble.
Walk This Way:
- Be aware of your surroundings and surrounding people.
- Embrace the buddy system. If you are alone, call the campus escort service.
- Walk in well-lit areas.
- Don’t look like a victim. Walk confidently, directly and at a steady pace.
- Walk close to the curb, avoid alleys, bushes and doorways.
- Don’t be afraid to make a scene. If you are in danger scream, yell, run, break a window to draw attention to your situation.
Get Text:
Many campuses set up text alert programs for their students. If a security concern is happening on campus the text messages will keep you informed on what to do until you receive an all-clear message. Check with your campus police or office of student safety to register for this important alert system.
Precautions For Women:
- Watch your alcohol intake. 97,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 are victims of alcohol-related sexual assault or date rape.
- If you are drinking, watch your drink. Rapists use drugs as a weapon by slipping them into drinks, which takes away your ability to fight back.
- Trust your instincts. If someone sets off your “creeper meter”, listen to it. You don’t have to be nice. Don’t worry about being polite to someone who is making you feel uncomfortable.
Alcohol Abuse:
Bing drinking, often times on a bet or a dare is especially dangerous because the victim can ingest a fatal dose before becoming unconscious. What should you do if you suspect alcohol poisoning? Be aware that a person who has passed out may die! Even after a person stops drinking the alcohol in the stomach continues to enter the bloodstream. You cannot assume that someone “sleeping it off” or passed out will be fine. Signs of alcohol poisoning include mental confusion, stupor, vomiting, seizures, irregular breathing and signs of hypothermia. Do not wait for all signs to be present to take action. If you suspect alcohol poisoning call 911 and get help.
Be Prepared:
Be prepared for minor medical questions. Consult websites such as iTriagehealth.com or download iTriage for the iPhone and Android. If you need medical attention use iTriage to answer your questions but also locate the closest Urgent Care Clinic or Emergency Department.
