Common Sense College Safety Ideas

Safety is something that should be considered both before choosing your school and once you have actually started your studies. By following these few simple steps you can choose as safe a school as possible, as well as have a safe and enjoyable adventure.

1. When deciding on a college, ensure that you also check to see if there is a campus security or police department. Find out what the steps are for reporting any difficulties or crimes that you may experience, as well as the average completion time for various complaints. One good way to do this is to request a copy of the crime statistics for the area.
2. As you check into living facilities (on-campus or off-campus) ensure that there are adequate fire alarms and prevention devices, such as sprinklers and carbon monoxide alarms. The majority of off-campus fatalities are a result of fire, so this is an important consideration make.
3. Keep first aid kits in your residence and vehicle. This allows you to treat any personal injuries that you may experience in a timely manner, as well as helping others in the event that they are injured.
4. Be aware of personal safety. Since a majority of people who are assaulted are alone, be around others as much as possible. Stay in well-lighted areas, and avoid going anywhere by yourself without notifying someone when you leave and return. Promptly report or fix any broken security devices in your residence, and ensure that you use them as they are intended.
5. Avoid getting drunk or intoxicated with anyone that you do not know extremely well or for long periods of time. Large numbers of sexual assaults take place when one or both of the parties involved have been drinking to the point of intoxication. In the event that you go to a party, be sure that you arrive and leave with the same friends.
6. Be mindful of your personal property and information. Keep secure sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, bills, and other such information. This helps you avoid the chance of becoming a victim of identity theft.
7. In the event that you hand out spare keys to your residence, be sure that you are only giving these to trusted long-time friends. Keep in mind that you are allowing anyone entry into your home anytime they wish to with those keys.