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Safety Tips

Adapted from guidelines provided by the Pennsylvania Crime Prevention Practitioners Association

In an institutional family, each member must take extra care to ensure the safety of everyone. No member of the community ought to feel afraid, but all members ought to exercise ordinary prudence. The Department of Campus Police has been established to create as secure an environment as possible at Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ, but many safety factors are under your own control.

Your University is as safe as you make it. Here are some reminders of common-sense precautions you can take.

Basics

  • When dialing 911 from an external phone or cellphone the Bethlehem Police 911 Communication Center, Northampton County or the Lehigh County 911 Emergency Centers will be contacted, who will immediately communicate with Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ Police Department.
  • Sign up for and participate in the e2campus text messaging system which provides timely notification in the case of college emergency, including those due to inclement weather.
  • Check campus notifications, in case of emergency, via campus email, AMOS, e2campus text messages, and other appropriate means of communication given the situation.

Offices, Classrooms, Libraries, or Labs

  • Close and lock your office door when you leave.
  • Keep petty cash, purses, wallets, cellphones, computers, and other valued items in a locked cabinet or drawer.  
  • Never leave valuables 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 Campus Police. Remember his or her appearance and relay the information to the dispatcher.
  • Advise the Campus Police of any hazards or security problems.
  • Report faulty window and door locks to the Department of Campus Police.
  • Emergency Number: Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ Police Department: 610-861-1465.

On the Street

  • Stay in well-lit areas. Report faulty lighting to the Department of Campus Police. Walk at the midpoint 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.
  • 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 you are followed by someone in a car, turn around and walk in the opposite direction. If the follower persists, record the cars license number and call the police.

In Student Housing

  • Resident students are strongly encouraged to always lock their doors and carry their room keys and identification cards to access their residence halls.
  • Students who lose their room keys should report this immediately to Student Affairs (610-861-1503) and request a lock change.
  • 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 and card access ID 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. Engraving tools are available through the Campus Police.
  • If you should return to your residence and suspect that it has been illegally entered, DO NOT GO IN. Call the Campus Police at 610-861-1421.
  • In the event of an emergency, call 610-861-1465.
  • If you see a suspicious person in a hallway or lounge, or if someone knocks on your door to solicit, call the campus 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.
  • At the beginning of each semester, Residence Life Staff will review general emergency procedures within the residence halls with resident students.
  • If resident students are told to evacuate their residence hall, they are encouraged to bring warm clothes, medication, and cell phone with charger.

In Social Situations

  • If you're not 21, don't drink alcohol.
  • Don't give or sell alcohol to those who aren't 21.
  • If you are of legal age to drink and choose to do so, drink responsibly.
  • Choose your social events carefully.
  • Don't leave your drink unattended or accept an opened container that you did not observe being opened. 
  • Don't leave a party with someone you don't know well.
  • Don't invite someone you don't know well into your residence.
  • Watch out for each other.
  • Never, ever compromise your ability to be in control.
  • Safety is everyone's responsibility.