Be Safe Tips The Office of Campus Safety support personal safety programs to help ensure your safety on campus. Below are some suggestions for safety on campus. Safety in public places: Avoid walking alone and using shortcuts through unfamiliar, deserted areas. Look confident and be aware of your surroundings when walking alone. Travel in well-lit areas and away from bushes, doorways and buildings. If you have to stay late, move your car closer to a building and by a well-lit area. Have your keys ready so you can enter your car or residence quickly. Check in and under your vehicle before entering. Lock your car as soon as you enter or leave it. Keep windows and sunroof closed. Safety indoors: Be aware of your surroundings, particularly the general campus layout, exits, rooms and offices. Be alert in confined spaces such as washrooms and stairwells. Before you leave an area, check for strangers. Have a friend join you if you plan to stay late. Be alert. Don’t use headsets which distract you from paying attention to your surroundings. Use exits closest to your mode of transportation. Don’t leave a purse, computer or other possessions out of your site, even for a short time; mark personal items with your initials or student number. Don’t give your locker combination to others, and always spin your lock past the last number. Personal safety: Be responsible. Know how and where to get help. If you’re on campus late, request an escort to your vehicle or on-campus residence through our Campus Walk service. Travel with crowds or with an individual you know. Report strange incidents or suspicious behaviour. For example, if someone is loitering near your vehicle, leave immediately and contact Campus Security at 905.721.2000 ext. 2400 or 905.721.3211. Trust your instinct. Use common sense. Running safety: Run with a friend or in a group. If you run alone, let someone know the time and route of your run. Plan your route carefully, use familiar routes and avoid poorly lit or deserted areas. Familiarize yourself with emergency phones, pay phones, populated areas and businesses along your route. Always carry ID, your medic alert ID (if applicable) and emergency cab or bus fare. If you think you’re being followed: Look behind you. Go to the nearest well-lit, populated area. Vary your speed and change direction. Attract attention. Call 911. Report suspicious people or incidents to Campus Security at 905.721.2000 ext. 2400. General safety: Never risk personal injury to protect property or personal belongings. Never admit you are alone, either in person or on the phone; mention that someone else is present. Wait in well-lit areas for public transit and sit near the driver. Be alert to others watching you and keep your distance. Refuse to give your name, address or phone number to strangers, unless for legitimate purposes. Trust your instinct. If you feel at risk, take action. If an assault occurs: Call for assistance ASAP. Contact Campus Security at 905.721.2000, ext. 2400 or 911 Ask any staff member for help. Record as many identification indicators and details about the suspect as possible, as soon as possible.