Top 10 Personal Safety Tips
The University at Buffalo works hard to ensure a safe campus and community environment. These tips are intended for our students, faculty, staff and other community members to help us stay safe on campus and off.
CALL POLICE IMMEDIATELY if something happens to you or someone else, or you notice anything out of the ordinary. It is important to report incidents immediately. For all emergencies on UB campuses call 645- 2222 or 829-2222. For Off-Campus Emergencies, call 911.
- Trust your gut.
- If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe in a situation, get out.
- Most sexual assaults on college campuses are committed by acquaintances. Even if you’re unsure - if something tells you a situation is not "right", it isn't.
- When in doubt.. . . get OUT!
- Never walk or run alone.
- Walk or run with a friend
- If you have a night class, walk with friends or call the Anti-Rape Task Force at (716) 829-2584 for safety escorts.
- Be alert. . .to your surroundings and the people near you.
- Run in familiar areas. In unfamiliar areas, contact a local running club or store.
- Practice memorizing license plates or identifying characteristics of strangers.
- The more aware you are, the less vulnerable you are.
- Run against traffic so you can observe approaching automobiles.
- Cross at crosswalks and don’t hitchhike or accept rides from strangers.
- Do not use earphones while walking, driving, or bicycling. Your ears may help you avoid dangers your eyes may miss.
- Light it Up & Lock it Up
- Leave lights ON in entry ways
- Do not prop open locked doors in apartments or residence halls
- Lock your doors when going to bed or leaving, even if it is for a short time.
- Do not leave valuables unattended or visible in your car.
- Don’t keep social security card or passport in your purse or wallet.
- Keep your wallet on your person as opposed to in a bag.
- Be Visible
- Wear bright colors and reflective material
- Stay in well-lit areas.
- Avoid unpopulated areas and shortcuts through parks, vacant lots, and other deserted places.
- Run/walk close to the curb and stay away from parked cars, bushes or doorways where an attacker can hide.
- In the residence halls, avoid being in the laundry rooms alone at night.
- Keep Them Guessing
- Run/walk assertively and with confidence. Look directly at others and be observant, but keep your distance and keep moving. Attackers often look for someone who appears vulnerable.
- Vary your route.
- If strangers telephone or come to your door, do not admit that you are alone. Do not let strangers into your home.
- Ignore verbal harassment. Use discretion in acknowledging strangers.
- Be Prepared
- Know where open businesses or stores are located in case of emergency.
- Know the locations of call boxes, emergency blue light phones and telephones along your regular route.
- Write or leave word of the direction of your run. Tell friends and family of your favorite running routes.
- Carry ID and a cell phone or change for a phone call.
- Write your name, phone number, and blood type on the inside sole of your running shoe. Include any medical information.
- Defend Yourself
- Don’t share pin numbers, keys, credit cards or your UB Card with anyone.
- Don’t invite people into your room or apartment unless you know them fairly well.
- Don’t accept rides from strangers. If someone stops to ask for directions, keep your distance.
- If followed on foot: cross the street, change direction, vary your pace and walk quickly to well-lit, populated areas. If the follower persists, go to a lighted building and call University Police (645-2222) or 911.
- If followed by a car, turn and walk in the opposite direction or walk up a well-lit one-way street. If the situation persists, record the license number and call University Police (645-2222) or 911.
- When being followed by a car, turn and go in the other direction.
- Personal alarms or noisemakers may help deter an attempted assault.
- Get training in self-defense and practice the techniques regularly.
- Avoid danger, but don’t be afraid to scream if it doesn’t avoid you.
- Going out? Have a plan before you go to a party
- The #1 date rape drug is alcohol so . . .
- Never leave your drink unattended.
- Avoid punch.
- Make your own drink at parties or watch your drink made at the bar.
- Be aware of how your medications may interact with alcohol.
- Students are most often victimized at parties when they are alone so . . .
- Bring a friend or stick with those you know.
- Stay in groups, and take care of your friends.
- Leave with friends – never leave with someone you just met.
- The #1 date rape drug is alcohol so . . .
- Trust your gut . . . When in doubt, just get out.
- The simplest axiom bears repeating.