James A. Rhodes State College

Home Page > Campus Security

CRIME PREVENTION TIPS

Ways to lesson your chances of becoming the victim of an assault or theft :

• Park in well lit areas.
• Avoid parking close to large vehicles, as it will decrease your ability to see the area around you.
• Keep your doors locked when you are in your vehicle and when you leave your vehicle.
• Pay attention to people and cars around you and be aware of any suspicious situations and people.
• Display proper body language that shows that you are aware of things that are happening around you.
• Always hide your valuables.
• Do not leave personal information displayed.
• Have your keys in your hand and be ready to enter the vehicle.

Don’t take chances with your safety when you’re walking:

• Don’t walk alone (especially at night).
• Use public walkways.
• Avoid hitchhiking.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Walk facing traffic.
• Utilize the campus escort service at x 8499 from any pay phone with no charge.
• Contact the Campus Safety Security Department if you feel uncomfortable or suspicious of anyone at x 8499.

On the street:

• Walk confidently. Be alert. Notice who passes you and who is behind you.
• Walk in well-lighted areas. Do not walk near bushes, alleys, etc.
• Wear clothing and shoes that give you freedom of movement.
• Do not overburden yourself with bags or packages that might make running difficult.
• Carry as little cash as possible.
• Hold you purse tightly, close to your body. Keep your wallet in a front pocket, button hip pocket or inside coat pocket.
• Do not hitchhike.
• If someone in a car stops you for directions or information, always reply from a safe distance. Never get too close to the car.
• If an auto driver persists in bothering you, cross the street and walk or run in the opposite direction.
• If you feel someone is following you, turn around and check.
  • Proceed to the nearest lighted house or place of business.
• If you feel you are in danger, do not be afraid to scream and run.

Sexual assault:

• About one-third of sexual assaults occur in the victim’s home.
• About 40 percent of sexual assaults are committed by persons known to the victims such as dates, acquaintances, neighbors, co-workers, or even spouses.
• Rapes also occur in the street, in school yards, and in parking lots. Be alert to your surroundings and to the people around you.
• Call the local rape crisis center to sign up for prevention and self-defense classes.
• Many strategies are involved with rape avoidance. Studies shown that a combination of screaming, physical resistance, and fleeing is most effective.

Car safety:

• Always lock you car doors even when you will be gone only a few minutes.
• Lock your doors when driving.
• Park in well-lighted areas, and observe your surroundings when you leave your car.
• Always have you car and house keys in hand so you will not have to fumble for them.
• Always check the back seat before entering your car.
• Keep you car in good working condition.
• If you break down, use distress signals such as putting the hood up, putting a white flag on the aerial, or setting your emergency flashers. Remain in the car with the doors locked. Wait for the police or ask anyone who does stop to send a tow truck or the police. Be wary of accepting help from strangers.
• If you are followed by another car, honk your horn all the way to the nearest gas station, police station, fire station, or lighted home.
• If someone threatens you while you are in your car, lock all doors and blow the horn in short burst to attract attention.
• Do not pick up hitchhikers.
• Always lock valuables out of sight, preferably in the trunk. Always carry wallets, checks books and purses with you.

Purse protection:

• Never leave your purse in plain view.
• Carry your purse across the front of your body, with your forearm across the front of the purse and your elbow held tightly against you side.
• Carry your keys, wallet or other valuables in pockets in your clothes.
• Carry minimum amounts of cash and credit cards. Keep a record of all your card numbers.
• Don’t leave your purse on the seat of your car or out in an open vehicle.

Personal security at the office:

• Never leave your purse, backpack or briefcase in plain view.
• Personal property should be marked.
• Don’t leave cash or valuables at the office.
• If you work alone or before/after normal business hours, keep the office door locked.
• If you work late, try to find another worker or call for an escort x8499 when exiting the building.
• Be alert for pickpockets on crowed elevators.
• Be aware of escape routed for emergencies.
• Be extra careful in stairwells and isolated or poorly-lighted restrooms.
• If you are assaulted while in an elevator, hit the emergency or alarm button and press as many floors buttons as possible.
• Report any suspicious behavior to Campus Security x8499.

Personal information security:

• Your personal information can be used by criminals to gain services, create fraudulent credit accounts, and to obtain false identification. The following are items that you should never give out to strangers:
• Your credit card number or expiration date, unless you know the company is reputable.
• Your checking account number or ATM personal identification number.
• Your telephone calling card number.
• Your social security number. Only give this out if it legally required.
• Your Driver’s License number.
• Health information, such as your insurance, medical and mental history, and doctor.
• Information about your home security system, such as whether you have one or not, or your code.
• Information about those who lice with you and whether you live alone.
• Your age or age category.
• Financial information, such as you annual income, mortgage, or financial institution.
• In addition, you should keep track of whenever you do provide this information and to whom it was given.

Safe driving:

Light: Changing light conditions can greatly affect driving.

• Adjust speed for: overcast skies, fog smog and smoke.
• When the vehicle behind you has high beams on, adjust you rearview mirror to night setting.
• Slow down if you want the vehicle to pass you during extreme sunshine or snow glare, especially at sunrise and sunset.

Time of day:

• Avoid driving at dusk- the most difficult time to see.
• Sunday mornings between the hours of midnight and 2 a.m. is the most dangerous time to drive because of impaired drivers.
• The fatal collision rate is several times higher at night than during the day.
• Don’t drive when you are extremely tired, and don’t rely on coffee to keep you awake.

Precipitation:

• Not only does precipitation make road surface slippery, but it can obscure lane markings, traffic signals and road signs. In wet weather, slow down and use your low beams. While it is not a law, if there is a need to turn your wipers on, there is an equal need to turn you lights on.
• f driving visibility becomes poor, pull off the road and wait for conditions to improve. Don’t travel at 5 to 10 mph for risk of chain reaction crashes.
• Make sure your vehicle is equipped with snow tires or all-weather tires in the winter. If you are caught in a snow storm, be aware of over-exposure and over-exertion in trying to free your stuck vehicle. Stay inside until help arrives.
• Be sure your windshield and windows are thoroughly clear of view-obstructing snow and ice. Use your defogger to increase visibility when you drive.
• Remember a bridge or overpass gets slick and icy even before the roads do since bridge temperatures are five to six degrees colder than the roadway.  Be especially cautious when temperatures drop to freezing or just below.  Keeping yourself safe makes sense. Use these tips wisely so you can keep yourself and others out of harm’s path. Enjoy college safely.