Personal Safety Tips

Please read this section carefully and make these tips part of your everyday life.

In your work areas

• Lock your office door whenever you leave, even if you're just going out "for a minute."
• Take care of your keys. Don't leave them in your "cubby" or other hiding place.
• Do not prop doors open. If you find a door propped on campus, close it or report it to the Public Safety
• Office.
• Know where fire alarms and emergency exits are located. Observe the campus's fire prevention regulations.
• If you smell smoke or see a fire, pull the fire alarm and leave the building immediately.
• When a fire alarm sounds, leave the building immediately. Do not wait to see if it is a false/malfunctioning alarm.
• Notify the Department of Public Safety immediately of any emergency, criminal activity, suspicious conditions, or suspicious subjects.

Safety Around Campus Grounds

• Avoid taking shortcuts through isolated areas.
• Don't go for a "nature walk" through the woods alone.
• When walking, jogging, or running around the campus road after dark, wear reflective clothing and go in the opposite direction of traffic.
• Do not walk, jog, or run on campus alone after dark.
• Call Public Safety Office for an on-campus escort dusk to dawn.

Personal Property Security Tips

• Never leave your book bag, wallet, purse, or other valuables unattended.
• Even if you are going to be gone for "just a minute," take your belongings with you.
• Don't leave easily stolen items, such as your wallet, checkbook, or jewelry, in open view.
• Don't keep large sums of money in your office, classroom or bookbag.
• Engrave your driver's license number and State on all valuables (stereo, TV, typewriter, computer, etc.)

In Your Vehicle

• Have keys ready when approaching your vehicle. Check for intruders before, and lock the door immediately after, getting into your vehicle.
• Close all windows (in addition to locking all doors) when leaving your vehicle, whether it's for a few minutes or several hours
• Lock all valuables in the trunk.
• At night, park in well-lighted areas.
• Do not attach your name or license tag number to your key ring.
• Never pick up a hitchhiker or hitchhike yourself.
• Always keep your gas tank at least half full.
• If your vehicle breaks down in an isolated area, raise the hood, lock the doors and stay inside. If someone stops to help, ask him or her to call the police. Sound the horn if you feel threatened.
• If you see a suspicious vehicle or one driving recklessly on campus, notify the Department of Public Safety

Rules for Safe Dating

• When you feel uncomfortable in a situation, trust your instincts.
• When you mean "no," say "No." Don't allow room for misinterpretation by being ambiguous in your actions. Be firm. You should communicate your intentions and limits early.
• Don't immediately transfer your trust from an old friend to a new one, remember; trust must be earned.
• Control the environment. You should be the one to choose or agree to the dating activity and location.
• Be alert to diminished awareness caused by alcohol and drugs. When you lose control because of impaired judgment, you give the advantage to a would-be assailant.
• Don't allow others to violate your personal space.
• When going out, let someone know with whom you are going, where you are going, and if possible, the approximate time of your return.

Holiday Safety Tips

The following Holiday Safety Tips were compiled to contribute to the safety and security of our campus community during the holiday season. The holiday season is always a special time of year. It is also a time when busy people become careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime. We can never be too careful, too prepared or too aware. Please share this information with family, friends and neighbors. The Department of Public Safety wishes you a safe, happy and peaceful holiday season.

Driving

• Avoid driving alone or at night.
• Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car. Set your alarm or use an anti-theft device.
• If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area.
• Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows.
• Park as close as you can to your destination and take notice of where you parked.
• Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with children inside.
• Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. This creates a temptation for thieves. If you must leave something in the car, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight.
• Be sure to locate your keys prior to going to your car.
• Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag and parcels. Do not put them down or on top of the car in order to open the door.
• When approaching and leaving your vehicle be aware of your surroundings.
• Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area.
• Ask mall, store security for an escort before leaving your shopping location.
• Automated Teller Machine (ATM)
• If you must use an ATM, choose one that is located inside a police station, mall, or well-lighted location. Withdraw only the amount of cash you need.
• Protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you.
• Do not throw your ATM receipt away at the ATM location.

Shopping

• Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
• Dress casually and comfortably.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
• Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible.
• Always carry your Driver License or Identification Card along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use.
• Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.
• Keep cash in your front pocket.
• Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.
• Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
• Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals, bus stops, on buses and other rapid transit.
• Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
• Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, "con-artists" may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.

Children

• If possible, leave small children at home with a trusted babysitter.
• Teach your child to go to a store clerk and ask for help in case your child is separated from you.
• Teach children to stay close to you at all times while shopping.
• Never allow children to make unaccompanied trips to the restroom.
• Children should never be allowed to go to the car alone and they should never be left alone in the car.
• Teach children their full name, address and telephone number to give to police officers or mall security. Teach children to immediately inform you if a stranger is bothering them.

At Home

• Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes.
• When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.
• Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer.
• Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.
• Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home.
• When setting up a Christmas tree or other holiday display, make sure doors and passageways are clear inside your home.
• Be sure your Christmas tree is mounted on a sturdy base so children, elderly persons or family pets cannot pull it over on themselves.
• If you use lights on your Christmas tree ensure the wiring is not damaged or frayed. Frayed or damaged wiring can cause a fire.
• Place your Christmas tree in water or wet sand to keep it green.
• Never place wrapping paper in your fireplace.

Strangers at Your Door

• Be aware that criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts.
• It is not uncommon for criminals to take advantage of the generosity of people during the holiday season by soliciting donations door-to-door for charitable causes although no charity is involved.
• Ask for their identification, and find out how the donated funds will be used. If you are not satisfied, do not donate.
• Donate to a recognized charitable organization.

Hosting a Party

• Have non-alcoholic beverages available for party guests.
• Find alternative transportation for intoxicated guests.
• Arrange for an official designated driver for your party who will not drink at all.

Attending a Party

• Have something to eat before consuming alcoholic beverages.
• Eat high protein foods that will stay in your stomach longer and slow the absorption of alcohol into your system.
• Remember only time will eliminate the alcohol from your body.
• Know your safe limit.
• Never drink and drive.

Excerpted from the Community College of Baltimore County http://www.ccbcmd.edu/publicsafety/safety_tips.html