Keeping Your College Kids Safe

After studying with her friend, a young freshman student begins walking back to her dorm. It was dark outside around 10:00 p.m. and not many people were around. As she turned down one sidewalk she saw a familiar guy that she had met at a party recently. She couldn't remember his name, but he seemed like a nice guy that night. As she passed by, he mumbled something and she stepped closer to hear him. That's when he grabbed her and started pulling her behind a dark building. She reached in her pocket and pulled out her pepper spray. A quick shot to the face and he quickly let go of her arm. He began shouting and calling her name's, to get the attention of others she pressed down on her Electronic whistle with a 120 decibel alarm. The loud alarm brought some people out of their dorms and they summoned the police who arrested the attacker. There are criminals out there who believe it is their right to take what they want. Theives, rapists, and murderers who prey on others are just waiting for the chance to catch someone off guard. Being violated in any way, leaves a lasting effect on a person. Some people who are victims of crime feel as if they are to blame. This is never true. However, it is irresponsible for individuals to walk around clueless when it comes to safety. Being proactive can make the difference in a wonderful college experience or an unfortunate incident that could affect you for a lifetime.

• Before leaving your dorm or apartment, check that all doors and windows are locked.
• Make sure you have your pepper spray with you and be prepared to use it.
• Be aware of anyone hanging around or loitering near your dorm or apartment. College students are more likely to be stalked or violated.
• Park your car in a well lighted area. Check all around your car as you approach it. If there is a van parked next to you, get in on the other side. Vans are large and obstruct your view. Someone could easily hide behind a van and grab you as you try to get into your car. Sliding doors or double swing doors on vans make it easy for an attacker to force a victim inside and rape or kidnap them.
• Keep a flashlight or lighted key ring handy so you can locate your keys and enter your car quickly and safely.
• Walk on the side of the street closest to traffic. If accosted by someone in a car, run in the opposite direction of the way the car is headed.
• When you get home, especially after dark, try to go in right away. If anything looks out of place or anything is different than the way you left it, get out immediately, go to a neighbors's dorm or apartment and call for police assistance.
• Safeguard your mail.
• Don't carry your social security card around with you. If your wallet is stolen, this valuable piece of your identity could fall into the wrong hands and your personal financial privacy could be exposed.
• Log off your computer anytime you leave it.
• Keep doors locked at all times when you are home. The main point of entry for a burglar or home invasion is through an unlocked door. Don't make it easy for an intruder. Always lock your doors when you leave, you don't want to be burglarized nor do you want to come home and find someone in your home.