Below are Crime Prevention Safety Tips

on the following topics:

ATM Safety; Computer Safety; Fire Safety; In Case of Fire; Personal Safety; Residential Safety; Securing Valuables;

and Vehicle Safety.

ATM Safety Tips

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Do not use the ATM after dark unless someone escorts you and the area is well lit.
• Do not continue a transaction if you feel uncomfortable.
• Pay attention to people who come up to the machine and wait in line. Make eye contact with the individuals.
• Do not count or display money at the ATM.
• Never leave your statement and/or transaction receipt at the ATM.
• Do not assist others who may be having difficulty using the ATM.
• Do not give your secret code to anyone. Do not write your secret code in your wallet or purse.

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Computer Safety Tips

• Control access to the computer and equipment during open hours.
• Easily moved equipment must be secured to a fix object.
• Restrict viewing of the computer screen to only the operator.
• Record the make, model and serial numbers of all equipment and keep it in a central location.
• Should your system need repair, make sure that a reputable firm is used.
• Protect your diskettes and tapes by placing them in a locked area.
• Make an additional back-up of vital data and software at regular intervals, and keep them in a separate location safe from fire and theft.
• Passwords should be at least eight characters. Use a combination of numbers, letters and special characters.
• Don't use an easily guessed name or names that can be easily associated with you.
• Memorize your passwords.
• Change your password often, at least monthly.

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Fire Safety Tips

• Use appliances carefully and according to instructions. Don't leave heat-producing appliances unattended; unplug them when not in use. Let the appliance cool before storing them.
• Don't cover ventilation openings on TV's stereos and radios.
• Check appliances for damaged cord and short circuits.
• Don't over load circuits by plugging too many appliances into one outlet.
• Don't use hot plates, grills or other appliances if they are prohibited.
• Store trash away from heat, and empty wastebaskets often.
• Keep exits clear of possessions and trash.
• Store combustibles away from heat. Flammable liquids must be stored in proper container and stored in approved area.
• Smoke only in areas permitted, never in bed, when drowsy or near a flammable liquid.
• Store matches properly and close matchbooks before striking.

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In Case of Fire

• In case of a fire stay calm and think out what to do. Act quickly because every second counts. Sound the alarm to alert others and pound on doors as you leave. Call designated campus officials from a safe phone and give the nature of the fire.
• If you are in your room when you hear the fire alarm, feel the door. If the door is hot or smoke is seeping in, don't open it. Stay in your room. If the door is cool, open it a crack, but be ready to slam it shut if you find flames or smoke.
• If you are trapped in your room, keep the door closed. Seal cracks around door with tape, clothes, sheets, etc. Open window slightly, if there is no smoke outside. Open the window at the top to vent smoke or at the bottom to let in fresh air.
• Tie a wet cloth over your nose and mouth to aid breathing.
• Stay low where air is fresher because smoke rises.
• Signal rescuers by waving a sheet or clothing out of the window, or telephone for help.

Personal Safety  Tips

• Good self-defense is most often an attitude and does not require fighting, guns or karate. Try to avoid situations that require fighting.

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Residential Safety Tips

• Always leave your home so that it looks occupied. Leave some lights and a radio on. When away have a friend pick up your mail or paper and cut your grass.
• Protect your home with good door and window locks. Use deadbolt locks and install wide-angle viewers or peepholes.
• Trim shrubbery that blocks the outside view of your doors and windows.
• Be a " nosey neighbor." Report all suspicious activities in your community. The community watch program has worked well to reduce crime. If you are not a member of community watch, join and support this program. If there is not a program in your area, sponsor a meeting with your friends and neighbors to discuss starting community watch. The local Police department in your area can give you assistance with this program.
• Be creative when hiding valuables in the home. Home burglars often go straight to the bedroom and look under mattresses, inside drawers and closets. They are looking for money, jewelry, cameras, guns and other small valuable items that can be grabbed quickly, carried easily and sold for a quick profit.
• If you return home and spot any sign of forced entry DO NOT GO IN. Instead go to the neighbor's and call the police. First this will not disturb any evidence and second, the burglar may still be inside and may resort to assault in an effort to escape.

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Securing Valuables

• Lock your doors every time you leave your office or dorm room.
• Make a list of your valuables and keep it in a safe place. Include an exact description, year purchased, serial numbers and the amount the item cost when purchased.
• Engrave your personal valuables with a driver license number. (Engravers can be checked out in the University Police Department.)
• Don't leave your belongings unattended in libraries, classrooms, 0ffices, etc.
• Keep your purse, wallet and other valuables in a secure location.
• Never lend your keys to anyone. Keys can be easily duplicated.
• Check your insurance policies to see if your valuables are protected from theft or damages.
• Large sums of money should be deposited in the bank instead of being kept on the person or hidden in you office or dorm room.

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Vehicle Safety Tips

• Lock your vehicle and pocket the key. Remember to lock the trunk, the hatchback or the tailgate of a station wagon. Close all window and lock the vent wings.
• Don't leave vehicle registration, insurance policies, credit cards or other important papers in a vehicle glove compartment.
• Do not place a mini replica of a license plate or personal identification on a vehicle's key ring. If lost it would be valuable information for a criminal.
• Join Operation Identification and engrave your driver's license number in several concealed places on or in your motor vehicle.
• Store a spare key in your wallet, not inside or outside your vehicle. Thieves know all the hiding places.
• Do not disconnect the buzzer that warns you of keys left in the ignition. It's for your protection.
• Use a locked gas cap, not only to prevent theft of gasoline, but to limit a theft to the amount of driving he can do on one tank.
• Don't invite a break-in by leaving packages or valuables in sight. Take valuables with you, place them under the seat or lock them in the trunk.