BASIC SAFETY TIPS :

College and university campuses, like any other busy neighborhood, are not exempt from crime. Students, faculty and staff can make this community a safe place to live, learn, and work by taking common sense precautions, being alert and looking out for others. If a crime is to be committed, the offender must have the desire, ability, and opportunity to commit the crime. Law enforcement can do little to remove the offender's desire and ability, but the element of opportunity can be reduced when a few simple precautions are taken.

Because each situation is different, no one can list actions that are guaranteed to protect against crime and assaults. Below are some common sense precautions that will help to keep you from becoming a victim.

Lock your door when you take a nap, retire for the evening, and when working alone during non-business hours.
Require identification before admitting someone unfamiliar into your room.
Don't walk alone at night. Stay on well lighted walkways and use the campus escort service, BOSS at 229-6503 .
Avoid isolated areas or places where there are few people, like library stacks late at night or laboratories and classrooms after normal class hours.
If you must use isolated areas, bring a friend, let someone know where you are, and be extra alert.
Walk confidently, directly, at a steady pace, on the side of the street facing traffic.
Walk close to the curb.
Avoid doorways, bushes, and alleys.
Report suspicious people or circumstances immediately.
Stop crime before it happens. Use the campus Emergency Phone system or dial 9-911 from a campus phone to contact the University Police.
Be careful when people stop you for directions or ask for change. Always reply from a distance, and never get too close, especially to a car, truck or van.
If you are in trouble, attract attention and help any way you can. Scream, yell for help, yell, "Fire!", anything to attract attention from others.
Pay attention to what is happening around you.

For further information about crime prevention or police services in general, stop by or call the University Police Department located at 3410 N. Maryland Avenue, Sandburg Hall, West Tower, ground floor, 229-4627 .

Safety Tips When Confronted by Gunfire

(Posted 04-25-07)

Paper-Clip.com Virginia Tech Response Links

Norris Health Center Response to Virginia Tech

Home

Updated July 19, 2007 by SJB