Safety Tips
Each year numerous thefts are reported on campus. Residence hall rooms left unlocked, bicycles not secured and locked, and personal property left unattended account for the majority of reports of stolen property. Incidents of violence, such as assaults and robberies are infrequent; however, the prevention of these crimes should remain foremost in the minds of all members of the community. There is a certain amount of risk involved in nearly everything we do. These risks will vary with conditions such as time of day or season of the year. We can reduce these risks by exercising care in our everyday activities.
Personal Safety
- Most assaults are one-on-one. Decrease your chances of assaults by walking with someone else. If a friend is not available, use the Safe Ride service, extension 6340.
- Avoid walking in areas with limited lighting.
- Avoid walking, running or biking alone on the Monument Creek Trail. Always go in pairs.
- If you think you are being followed, walk toward areas that are most likely to be populated and then immediately call Campus Safety.
- Carry a whistle and don’t be afraid to blow it! Never be afraid to draw attention to the fact that you feel at risk. Check with the Residential Life Staff about our whistle program.
- Tell others where you are going and when you expect to return.
- Report anyone who is acting suspiciously immediately to Campus Safety, extension 6707.
- Always lock your door when in your room or apartment.
- When crossing Cascade and Nevada Avenues, make sure that cars appear to be coming to a complete stop before stepping into the street.
- Don’t hide a spare key outside your room or apartment.
- Report broken lock, doors, windows and lights to maintenance immediately.
Property
- Keep your room locked at all times even if you will be out for “just a minute”.
- Don’t advertise when you will return to your room with notes on your door like “I’ll be back at 5:30”.
- Lock your bicycles with a U-type lock to a secure bicycle rack. If possible, use extra reinforcements on your U-type lock. Take all quick-release items off your bicycle and store them in your room.
- Don’t leave books or other valuables, such as purses or backpacks, unattended for even short periods.
- Keep money and jewelry in a safe place. Always keep all your valuables out of sight.
- Make a record of your valuables, including serial numbers. Also engrave your valuables.
- Never prop doors open because anyone could walk in.
- Never lend your key to others.
Sexual Offenses
- Most rapes occur between people who are acquaintances or friends. Awareness of the possibility that it may happen to you is the first step in prevention.
- Avoid becoming intoxicated.
- Go to parties with a group of friends and agree to leave together.
- Communicate your expectations and desires clearly. Hints and insinuations may lead to miscommunication.
- NO MEANS NO! It should be respected.
- Trust your instincts. If you sense something is wrong, get away as soon as possible. It’s always best to be cautious.
- Avoid risky situations by staying out of isolated areas, never hitchhike, and don’t go off alone with anyone you don’t know well.
- Take a self-defense course.
- Refer to the College’s sexual misconduct policy for more information regarding sexual offenses.
Driving
- Avoid driving in winter conditions. If you must drive, learn the basics of driving in poor conditions.
- Be especially careful driving in the mountains in winter conditions. Check weather reports in advance. Be prepared to use chains and drive slowly.
- Carry an emergency kit in your car.
- Park in well-lighted areas whenever possible.
- Lock all doors at all time, even while driving.
- Never pick up hitchhikers.
- Keep an eye on your fuel gauge.
- Maintain your car to reduce the chances of a breakdown.
- DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE.
Fire Prevention
- Don’t abuse fire safety equipment. Report all non-functioning equipment to your R.A.
- Do not use candles or incense in residence halls.
- Do not overload electrical outlets. If you require a multi-plug device, use an U.L. approved “power strip” with an internal fuse or circuit breaker.
- Smoke only in designated areas.
- Know the location of fire extinguishers and fire alarm pull boxes.
- Irons, curling irons, hot air popcorn poppers and space heaters should never be left unattended.
- Flammable liquids are not allows in residence halls.