Campus Safety

Safety Tips

• Use the safety escort service instead of walking alone on campus (570) 422-3064.  SafeRides is not intended to be a service of convenience, but rather a safe means of transportation when other travel options do not offer a secure environment.
• Report any unusual or suspicious activity you witness. If you witness a crime, be prepared to provide a full description.
• Do not allow people to follow you into secure locations. Request that a "tailgater" use his or her key or swipe card to gain entry.
• Lock the door to your room, even if you are in the room.
• Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a place or situation, leave right away and go immediately to an area with lights and people; get help if necessary.
• If you perceive you are in danger, yell or blow a loud whistle and look for an escape route.
• Plan the safest route: use well-lighted, well-travelled routes. The shortest route isn't always the safest.
• Avoid walking or running alone at night.
• Be aware of your surroundings and the people around you - especially if you are alone or it is dark.
• Avoid using distracting technology such as smart phones, MP3 players, or anything else that will decrease the awareness of your surroundings.
• Avoid levels of intoxication that will leave you vulnerable and unaware.
• Do not display valuables openly.
• Be cautious around ATM machines.
• Utilize locks and other security systems that are in place.
• Have your keys ready in your hand so you can open the door to your home or car immediately.
• Always let someone know where you are going.

Call police immediately if you see suspicious activity, witness a crime or feel threatened. It is important to remember that people aren't suspicious, behavior is. When in doubt, call.

East Stroudsburg University Police (570) 422-3064 or 911 Emergency

Community Concerns

When you live with other people, community safety is everyone's responsibility.

• Do not prop outside doors. Keep your room door locked especially when you are sleeping or away from the room even for a short time.
• Report the presence of strangers to residence hall staff and/or the police.
• Don't let strangers into your building.
• If you see that a campus light is burned out or a piece of emergency equipment has been tampered with, report it right away so that it can be fixed.
• During holidays and end of the semester thefts increase.
• Remember to keep your doors locked at all times, even when away from your room for a short time.
• Lock the doors to your vehicle and hide all valuables in the trunk.
• Do not let books, book bags, or any other types of valuables unattended while on campus.
• Remember to report any suspicious persons to the University Police immediately

Policy for Medical Waste Disposal for Residence Halls

Environmental laws, attitudes, and risk assessment now require ESU to be responsible and accountable for disposing medical waste. The Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act requires ESU to track medical waste including that of on-campus students using insulin syringes and needles, hereafter referred to as "sharps." The University has implemented a procedure for the safe handling and disposal of "sharps."

The office of Environmental Health & Safety will provide rigid, impermeable, closed containers to all residence hall students who self-administer insulin. This will insure the safe handling and disposal of their "sharps." These containers, provided to the students at no cost, will be replaced on a regularly scheduled basis and will be monitored by the office of Environmental Health & Safety.

The used containers are to be returned to the EHS office, where new containers will be dispensed. Complete instructions for their use and disposal will be given to each student whose medical condition necessitates the use of "sharps." The EHS director is available to offer any assistance needed by these students.

Women's Self Defense Course

The East Stroudsburg University Police Department will be offering R.A.D. class throughout the year for students, staff, and faculty of ESU.

The Rape Aggression Defense System (R.A.D) is a program of realistic, self-defense tactics and techniques. The R.A.D system is a comprehensive course for women, which begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance, while progressing on to the basics of hands-on defense training.

This opportunity is a completely free of charge for the ESU community. Class size is limited, so register now at East Stroudsburg University Police Department located in Suite 100 in Hemlock Suites.

A waiting list is also being established, so if you miss the next class others will be offered in the near future.