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.