General Safety Guidelines & Recommendations for Home and Campus
The following safety guidelines and recommendations are provided courtesy of the Cal Poly University Police.
On the street:
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Whenever possible walk with friends, avoid walking alone after dark, and stay on populated, well-lit streets.
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Be alert! Look around you; be aware of who is on the street and in the area. Make it difficult for anyone to take you by surprise.
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Wear loose-fitting clothing and comfortable shoes that make walking and running easier.
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If you think someone is following you turn around and check; the surprise of a hostile look or aggressive word might change a potential attacker's mind. You can also head for people, lights, traffic, or run and scream.
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Don't respond to verbal assaults, walk away, ignore, notify law enforcement etc.
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If a car follows you or stops, change directions; walk or run toward people, stores, classrooms, offices, or a house if necessary.
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On frequently traveled routes, note the location of emergency "blue light" phones on campus and coin phones located off campus before you ever need them. In essence, take note of the surroundings you commonly use.
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If you don't carry a cell phone, consider obtaining one. Please Note: Cell phones, even when they are not connected to a cell phone service, can still be used to contact 9-1-1.
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If you are near a public phone, call 9-1-1 whenever you feel that you're in danger. (Please note: Public phones do not require coinage to make a 9-1-1 call.)
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Walk to your car, or home, with your key ready.
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Park your car in well-lighted areas and as close as possible to your destination.
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Check beneath the car and in the back seat before you get in to make sure that no one is hiding there.
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While driving, keep the doors locked at all times so that a person can't jump in when you stop.
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If you are followed by another car, drive to a police or fire station, hospital emergency entrance, or any open business. Do not go home or to a friend's house. Use your cell phone and call 9-1-1.
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Use the University Police Escort Service for transportation on and off campus in the evening. (For details you can call University Police at 756-2281.)
In your apartment or house:
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Ask UPD to conduct a safety check of your home. This service is free.
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Install good locks on doors and windows. Door chains offer little protection. Use deadbolts for greater security.
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Never put your address or vehicle make on your key ring. Your lost key ring will be of no value to a criminal unless she/he can find the lock that your keys fit.
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Never advertise that you are not at home. Answering machine messages should never include statements like, "I'm not at home now."
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Always pull shades or curtains after dark.
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List last name and initials only on mailbox, doors, in the phone book, etc.
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Make sure your home address can be easily seen by fire and police services.
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Get together with a first-time date, study partner, etc., in a public place.
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When away from home at night, or if you expect to return after dark, leave an interior light on in a room or two with the shades drawn.
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Never open the door without first checking to see who is there.