Walking Tips

Don't take your safety for granted. While we have a relatively safe campus, you
shouldn't become complacent. Sometimes bad things happen even here in our
community. Oftentimes in the news you hear people say something like "I didn't
think things like this could happen here". You must realize that anything can happen
to anyone at anytime.

Tips when walking ------

Be alert to your surroundings - pay attention - don't be distracted by talking on your
cell phone or listing to music on your iPod.

Walk with confidence and assurance - don't look like an easy target by your body language.

Try not to walk by yourself, especially at night - while there is no guarantee, there seems to be
greater safety when traveling in numbers.

Walk on major streets with lights and traffic - stay off secondary streets. Don't take
shortcuts through remote areas.

Stay away from tall, dense foliage along sidewalks.

Be especially careful in parking lots. If someone appears to be loitering in a parking lot,
don't take the chance and get out of your car - drive around the block and come back - if he is still there,
call the police to come check on him. If you are about to leave your dorm or greek house to walk to your
car, look out toward the parking lot or street where your car is parked. If someone is loitering in the lot,
don't walk to your car. Wait a few minutes from the safety of your dorm/house. If he continues to loiter in
the area, call the police to have officers check on him.

Have your car keys ready as you approach your car. Fumbling for your keys will distract you - long enough
for someone to approach you unexpectedly.

Carry a cell phone with you. For situations encountered on campus, call UPD - make sure to program UPD's
emergency phone number into your phone, 915-4911. For matters encountered off campus, call 911. Keep your
cell phone charged up [carry a spare battery].

If a motorist stops you to ask for directions/information, be careful - keep a safe distance back from the car - and
be alert.

If you are approached by someone who attempts to take your purse or book bag, give it up. It's not worth you
getting harmed. It can be replaced, you cannot.

If you sense you are being followed, you might try crossing the street. If he continues to follow you, go to the
nearest public building - such as a store, fire station, police station with lights and people. Don't go into an unlocked
academic building on campus after regular business hours - the building likely will be unoccupied. Call the police on
your cell phone. On campus you can activate one of the Code Blue phone units - just press the button.

Immediately report to the police any suspicious persons or vehicles.