Heading Back to Campus? Know These Safety Tips

It's past midnight and time to leave the library and head back to your dorm. You might not think twice about walking across campus alone at night, but you should. 

As you prepare to head back to college, keep in mind the news gets filled every year with horrible stories about young, unassuming college kids being harmed on campus.

The message: Now's the time to start thinking about personal safety.

Whether you're a freshman or returning student, stay safe this semester by remembering these tips from Marcia Peot, police officer and chief safety officer of StreetSafe—a mobile personal security service:

• Let friends or roommates know where you are going, who you are with and when to expect you home.

• Never leave outside doors propped open, and don’t let strangers into secured buildings or residence halls.

• A stranger is still a stranger, even if they are a fellow student. Do not accept a ride or go off somewhere alone with a person you don’t know.

• Do not drink in excess. When you do so, your ability to make decisions becomes impaired, making you an easy target.

• When approaching your car or residence, have your keys in your hand and check the area for suspicious individuals or activity.

• When walking by yourself, keep expensive belongings such as laptops hidden.  You will be less of a target.

• The beaten path is the better path. Do not take short cuts and familiarize yourself with the area before heading out.

• Consider taking extra measures to protect yourself. Take some self-defense classes, carry a whistle or consider working with different security companies like StreetSafe.

StreetSafe is a personal mobile security service that combines the GPS technology in your smart phone with a 24-hour state-of-the-art call center.

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