Personal Safety

What is Personal Safety?

Taking steps to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of a crime.

Many crimes can be prevented if you:

• Trust your instincts-if a situation or location doesn't "feel" right, it probably isn't.
• Avoid dangerous situations.
• Observe and stay aware of activities around you.

Safety Tips in Your Residence Hall

• Always lock your doors.
• Use the peep hole. Make sure you know who is at the door before you open it.
• Never leave your door open, even if leaving for a short amount of time.
• Always lock the bathroom door connecting the suite.
• Immediately report the loss or theft of room and or mailbox keys to housing staff.
• Report threatening or obscene phone calls immediately.
• If you suspect suspicious behavior call University Police 660.562.1254.

Safety While Walking

• Never walk alone at night. Walk with a friend or call University Police for an escort. Walk in well-lit areas at night, don't take shortcuts through bushes, trees, etc.
• Be alert and aware of your surroundings. Don't read or wear headphones.
• Walk confidently and with a purpose.
• Avoid carrying too much and keep your hands free.
• Have your keys to your vehicle or residence in your hand and ready to use. Avoid searching through backpacks or purses.
  • If you think you are being followed, change your direction of travel, go to the nearest area where there are other people (library, union, etc.,).
• If you are carrying a purse or bag, carry it close to your body and carry no more money or credit cards than necessary.
• Ask the person driving you home to wait until you are inside. Do the same for other passengers.

Safety In A Car

• When approaching a parked vehicle, be aware of suspicious activity or persons.
• Always park in well-lit areas.
• Have your keys ready when approaching your vehicle.
• When operating your vehicle, keep the doors locked.
• Place valuables in the trunk or out of sight.
• When stopped at traffic lights or in traffic, allow space between you and the vehicle in front of you.
• If someone approaches your vehicle and attempts to enter, blow your horn to attract attention and drive away.
• Do not pick up hitchhikers.
• Never let your gas fall below 1/4 tank.
• Carry a cell-phone with you.
• If you are driving somewhere unfamiliar, plan your route and check the map before you start out.
• Keep windows up.

Safety In A Building:

• Avoid isolated corridors or hallways.
• Be extra careful in stairwells and isolated restrooms.
• If you are assaulted while in the elevator, hit the emergency button or alarm button, and press as many floor buttons as possible.

Reporting Suspicious Activity

• If you are reporting a suspicious person(s) or activity to the University Police Department, be prepared to give the following information. Be as specific as possible, and stay on the phone until the dispatch indicates that you can hang up:
  • Location
  • Number of individuals
  • Description of individual(s)
  • License number and director of travel
  • Whether or not any weapons are involved

Suspicious activity can be reported to University Police by calling 660.562.1254 or 911.

To learn personal safety tactics, visit the R.A.D. page. R.A.D. is a 12-hour self-defense course for women, offered free to Northwest students and employees.