Personal Safety

ON THE STREET

• Do not go out walking or jogging alone after dark. Ask a friend or a group of friends to accompany you.
• Make arrangements to get a ride from a friend, take the PC shuttle bus, or use public transportation. Wait for the ride with a friend.
• Take main streets. Avoid shortcuts and dark or isolated spots.
• Walk in the middle of the sidewalk to avoid accessibility of cars pulling up or people hiding in parked cars, doorways, or bushes.
• Ignore strangers who may call out to you, whether they are on foot or in a car.
• Look alert while walking ready to exit if trouble develops. Be aware of your body language. Look strong and aggressive. Walk confidently and briskly.
• Don't ever hitchhike no matter what time of day.
• If you must walk in an unfamiliar neighborhood, try to plan your route in advance.
• If you feel as though you're in danger of being followed by someone on foot, cross the street, change direction, vary your pace.
  Don't be afraid to knock on a door or enter a lighted store and call police.
• If someone in a car follows you, turn around and walk the other way, or go up a oneway street. If he persists, record the license number and call the police.

IF YOU ARE ASSAULTED OR HELD UP

• Don't panic. Hand over your wallet or purse quickly and quietly. Get as good a description of your assailant as possible.
• If you are attacked: 1) If at all possible, flee immediately. 2) Be realistic about your ability to protect yourself. An immediate reaction of yelling, biting, kicking, may give you a chance to escape, but be aware that these actions could expose you to further harm.
• REMEMBER: Every emergency situation is different. Only you can decide which course of action is appropriate.
• If you are able to break away, run toward lights, people. Continue to scream to attract attention.
• Report to police immediately if you are a victim of crime. Always press charges.

IN YOUR APARTMENT

• Always keep exterior as well as interior doors locked.
• Never leave apartment doors propped open for friends.
• Always keep apartment/basement doors and windows locked, even when taking a short nap or if alone.
• Never leave keys for roommates outside of apartment.
• Leave a radio and light on when you go out, so that people will think that someone is home.
• During vacation, remove stereos, televisions, computers, and all valuables from residence.
• Use an electrical timer for a lamp to be lit when the apartment is vacant.
• Never let anyone into the apartment before finding out who it is.
• Use the PC shuttle bus when leaving the library/campus at night
• At night, have your keys ready before you get to your door.
• Get to know the students and neighbors in your building and become acquainted with their schedule of being home.
• Encourage your landlord to provide lighting in the entrance to your apartment/stairway/driveway.
• If you receive obscene phone calls, hang up and call the police.
• Notify the police if any unfamiliar person is hanging around your building.
• Pull down window shades at night.