PERSONAL SAFETY

Personal safety is foremost a personal responsibility. An important fact to remember on the topic of personal safety is the importance of being aware of your surroundings. Ask yourself, "Am I increasing the chances that I may become a victim of crime?". Personal crime prevention starts with the use of your common senses, easily ignored in our busy everyday lives. The following safety tips are nothing new, but it is important to be reminded of them from time to time. Remember that crime happens during the day as well as at night.

Do not walk alone! Use the buddy system or the Marshall University Police Escort Service, 696-HELP(4357).

Do not walk in dimly lit areas or take risky short cuts. Use well-traveled and well-lit areas.

Do not jog alone--run with a partner. It's more fun and...safer.

Do not carry large sums of money or flash money around. Money attracts attention.

Do not wear walkman-type earphones, especially at night, while walking or driving. They can prevent you from hearing what is going on around you.

If you feel that you're being followed or you sense something is wrong, change direction or cross the street and head for a well-lit area, any occupied building or to an emergency phone.

If you are threatened scream "FIRE" and not the word "help." In today's society the word "fire" attracts more attention. Remember the criminal does not like noise or attention.

Don't overload yourself with excessive books and/or other personal items when walking.

Carry your purse close to your body and have the flap against your body. If a purse/wallet snatcher or mugger confronts you do not resist. Money, credit cards and other items may easily be replaced. You cannot. You should record all credit card account numbers and keep them in a safe place.

Know where the MU HELP phones are located on campus and how to use them. They can be very important to you if you think you are in danger or being followed.

Help Phone Locations