Safety Reminders

Safety Reminders from the University Police

Adapted from guidelines by the Pennsylvania Crime Prevention Practitioners Association

At home, your family takes responsibility for the safety of its members, its dwellings, and its property. At ESU, you are living in a much larger "family" whose members are also responsible for their own and each other's safety.

In the larger university family, each member must take extra care to ensure the safety of everyone. No member of the university community should feel afraid, but all members should exercise ordinary prudence.

The University Police Department has been established to protect you and everyone at ESU, but many safety factors are under your control.

Here are some reminders of common-sense precautions you can take. Your home is as safe as you make it. So is your university.

In Offices, Classrooms, Libraries, or Laboratories

Always keep personal belongings in view.

Keep petty cash and other valued items in a locked drawer.

Keep your purse with you or in a locked cabinet or drawer. Never leave it in, on top of, or underneath a desk.

Never prop doors open, especially fire doors, even for a short time.

Avoid working or studying alone in a building at night.

Report anyone who behaves suspiciously to the University Police. Remember his or her appearance and relay the information to the dispatcher.

Advise the University Police of any hazards or security problems.

On the Street

Stay in well-lit areas. Walk at the mid-point between curbs and buildings. Stay away from alleys, entries, and bushes.

Walk with someone whenever possible. Participate in the buddy system. Use the Escort Service if you must travel after dark. It's worth the wait. The Escort Service may be reached by dialing 570-422-3064.

If you are followed, act suspicious. Keep looking behind you and you may discourage the follower. If someone is following you on foot, cross the street, change directions, or vary your pace. If someone in a car follows you, turn around and walk in the opposite direction. If the follower persists, record the car's license number and call the police.

On Campus

Keep doors locked, even if you are away for only a few minutes, don't leave notes on your door saying that you are out.

Lock your door before you go to sleep. An unlocked door, night or day, can be an invitation to trouble.

Always keep your keys in your possession. Never place them under mats, over doors, or in any other obvious "hiding place."

Remember that most losses occur during the day. Close and lock all windows when you leave your room, especially if you are on the first floor or off a fire escape.

Keep an accurate inventory of your possessions.

If you should return to your residence and suspect that it has been illegally entered, do not enter. Call the University Police at 570-422-3064. In the event of an emergency call 911.

If you see a suspicious person in a hallway or lounge, or if someone knocks on your door to solicit, call the University Police. Never confront or ignore a stranger.

In a residence hall, screams could sound like horseplay. In an emergency, be specific. Shout "Help," "Police," or "Fire."

In all activities, use common sense and be conscious of your surroundings.

Know your neighbors.

Don't ignore hazardous situations and don't create them for others.

Online

Keep your online information and personal site settings private and do not give access to persons you do not know or trust.

Keep your passwords secure and do not post information of a personal nature.

If you receive harassing or threatening electronic communication be sure to save the materials and report the incident to University Police.

In Case of Fire

When the fire alarm sounds, all occupants must evacuate the building immediately using the nearest exit.

Only University Police Officers or members of the Fire Department may authorize reentry into the building.

Fire Safety Tips:

• Familiarize yourself with the location of fire alarm pull stations and fire safety equipment, and all exits
• If you encounter smoke, flames or have a medical emergency, immediately call 911 and provide as much information as possible.
• If the fire alarm sounds, assume an actual fire or emergency is occurring in the building and evacuate as quickly as safely possible through the closest exit. If you encounter smoke while evacuating, keep as low to floor as possible. If you are able, help others that require assistance.

Walking, Running and Biking

A. Rules for safe walking

1. Always use sidewalks when provided.
2. If no sidewalk exists, always walk facing opposing vehicular traffic as far as possible from the edge of roadway.
3. Always cross a roadway at an intersection or a well-defined crosswalk, and look both ways before crossing.
4. Always carry identification with you.
5. At night, do not walk alone unless absolutely necessary; walk in well-lighted areas, and wear light colored or reflective clothing.

B. Rules for safe running

1. Run on sidewalks, to the right of walkers. If sidewalks are not available, run on the shoulder of the road, facing traffic.
2. Be alert for cars at sharp curves and on crests of hills where you cannot see oncoming traffic.
3. Run in parks, on the track or on grass whenever possible. Never run alone, but do not run in large groups.
4. Communicate to your partner about oncoming traffic.
5. Wear or carry, white, bright or glow-in-the-dark clothes, if you must run at night. Be extra careful during inclement weather.
6. Observe cross walks, traffic lights, stop signs, etc. Run in place if necessary.
7. When making turns, look behind you and turn to traffic facing running side as soon as possible.
8. Do not intimidate or provoke automobile drivers. In general, do the things a walker would do:
   1. Look at crosswalks; look both ways before crossing.
   2. Cross only on proper traffic signal.
   3. Watch for turning cars. Never go into the roadway from between parked cars.

C. Rules for safe bicycle riding

1. Keep to the right side of the roadway and ride in single file. Pass other cyclists with caution.
2. Obey all traffic lights. Use hand signals.
3. Ride cautiously through parking areas, driveways and congested intersections.
4. For night riding, equip your bike with front/rear lights, use reflectors and wear light colored or reflective clothing.
5. Give pedestrians and motor vehicles the right of way and use a warning device.
6. Use caution when passing parked vehicles because doors can be opened without warning.
7. Watch out for potholes, rocks, broken glass and other road hazards.
8. Always lock your bicycle properly when not in use using a high security lock.
   1. Secure at least the back wheel and frame tube to something immovable. Bike racks are available throughout the campus.
   2. Always lock your bicycle in a well-lit area.

These rules are not only for your safety, they are the law. The Pennsylvania vehicle code requires joggers, cyclists, and pedestrians to obey the traffic laws. The police can issue you a citation for failing to follow these rules.