Safety Tips

Work, School, and Home

• Secure your home, apartment, residence hall (your room door, not just the door to the common area), or office door.
• If you are an employee whose work involves the handling of sensitive info, be sure your door, desk, and/or file cabinets is locked whenever you aren't in your office, but especially before extended absences.
• Place bikes inside your room/house/apartment, including on campus, if you will be away for an extended period.
• Plan ahead for someone to keep/bring in your packages when you are away. Use App tracking devices, and never leave packages on the porch. Take advantage of services offered by apartment complexes. Ask management staff to receive and hold your packages until you are able to pick them up.
• Leave a light on in your apartment or house. Off-campus residents may want to consider using an automatic timer to control the lights.

Vehicle

• Gas your vehicle during daylight hours.
• Ensure your car maintenance is current if traveling (tire pressure, oil, fluids etc.)
• Park in well-lit areas, preferably under street lights.
• Lock your vehicle at all times, on and off campus
• Keep your car keys in hand until you’re safely inside at your destination and when returning to your car. Know how to activate the panic alarms if your car/keys have this feature.
• Never leave your valuables (purse, phone, wallet, etc.) in plain sight in a vehicle. Place all packages in the trunk of vehicle or out of sight.
• During extended travel carry cash along with paper maps.

Out and About

• Remain aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Use the buddy approach – shop with a friend.
• Never leave your purse unattended in a shopping cart. Use the toddler straps and strap your purse in. It will make it harder for someone to snatch and run.

Money Matters

• Plan ahead and complete ATM transactions during daylight hours.
• Limit the amount of cash you carry with you.
• Use PayPal or a secure network when shopping online.
• Protect your PIN and keep a close watch on your bank and credit card accounts.
• Engrave valuables - computers, stereos, cameras, etc. - for identification. UPD offers Operation ID, a nationwide program designed to discourage burglary and theft of valuables, but it also provides a means for law enforcement to identify stolen property and prove ownership.
• Be aware of phone scams. If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, contact your local police department. The FBI asks that you also report suspected fraud to them.

Socialize Safely

• Always remember...don’t drive if you’ve been drinking or medicated. Outsource the driving – taxi, Uber, Lyft. Don’t leave an intoxicated friend alone. Call a friend, be a friend.