Campus Safety Tips

In the Residence Halls

• Always lock your door behind you whenever you leave your room — even if just to go to the restroom.
• Close and lock your windows whenever you leave your room. Burglars have been known to break into rooms by walking out onto the ledge.
• Do not tape or put any objects in your door jam. You may forget that you’ve done so and leave your room vulnerable to theft.
• Keep your backpack in your room when eating in the dining halls. The cubby holes for backpacks are not monitored.
• If you have expensive equipment (computers, stereos, etc.) engrave them with your California ID or Driver’s License number. You can borrow the Police Department’s engraver for free; call (310) 825-6111 for details.
• Have your computer software properly licensed. Enter the appropriate names of the owner into the computer when installing. Send your registration card into the software company so that there is a record of your purchase.
• Purchase a plastic keychain coil that fits around your wrist. You’ll be able to take a shower and keep your keys in your possession.
• Check your peephole before you open your door. If you can’t see anyone, don’t open the door.
• Report any building safety problems to the R.A. or the front desk.
• Call for a C.S.O. escort at (310) 794-WALK, or the Evening Van at (310) 825-9800.

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In the Libraries

• Avoid studying in overly secluded areas. Study with others or in areas where there are other people.
• Don’t forget to eject your copy-card after you’ve made photocopies.
• Do not leave your belongings unattended. It only takes a few seconds for a thief to take all of your belongings.
• When leaving for the evening, call for a CSO Escort at (310) 794-WALK, or take the Evening Van at (310) 825-9800.

On Campus in the evening

• Walk with a friend.
• Stay in well-lit, well-populated areas. Take the safest route, not the fastest route.
• Be aware of your environment. Don’t be afraid to look over your shoulders. It’s not rude to maintain a safe distance between yourself and others.
• Avoid blind corners. Take wide turns so that you have room to react to what’s ahead.
• Carry your keys in your hands. They may be used as a weapon if necessary.
• Be aware of the location of the nearest blue light emergency (ERS) phones.
• Do not fall asleep in isolated areas or if there are unknown persons in the room with you.
• Plan ahead. Know where the restrooms, food and water are. Do not wander around campus aimlessly.
• Call for a CSO Escort at (310) 794-WALK, or take the Evening Van at (310) 825-9800.

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In Parking Structures & Lots

• Carry your keys in your hands. You’ll be able to get into your car faster and the keys may be used as a weapon if necessary.
• Avoid blind corners. Take wide turns so that you have room to react to what’s ahead.
• Walk in the center of the aisles when safe to do so. You’ll have more reaction time if someone leaps out from behind a car.
• Walk with confidence. Criminals can often sense when you feel vulnerable, and this may entice them.
• Check your backseats before getting into your car.
• Park in well-lit, well-traveled areas of the parking structure or lot.
• Use a “club” and/or car alarm. They make theft more difficult for the criminal, and less enticing.
• Do not keep valuables in your car. If you must, keep them in the trunk where they are out of sight. If you have an internal trunk lock, use it.
• Keep track of your mileage whenever using stack parking.
• Take your pullout/removable face stereo with you. Do not put it under the seats, in the glove compartment, or in the trunk, as this is always the first place criminals check.
• Call for a CSO Escort (794-WALK).

Other Tips

• Know your limit for alcohol. You are more vulnerable when you don’t have full use of your senses.
• Always report any suspicious activity to the Police. 911 for emergencies, and (310) 825-1491 for non-emergencies.
• Be aware of your surroundings when using ATMs (Automated Teller Machines). Keep track of who is behind you.
• When working-out at the John Wooden Center, bring a quarter to use the lockers. Use the lockers and don’t bring anything you can’t keep with you.
• When running alone, do not wear earphones, as this eliminates hearing as a defense mechanism. Try to run with a friend in the evenings, or have them watch you as you run. Keep your keys in your hand while running, as they can be used as a weapon if necessary.
• Advise someone of your whereabouts and how long you expect to be out. Inform that person if you end up staying longer than expected. (A text message will suffice; do not post your whereabouts on social networking sites (i.e. Twitter, Facebook, MySpace.)
• Consider carrying a whistle
• Learn to use and carry mace or pepper spray. Take a self-defense workshop.
• Always let someone know where you’ll be going and when you can be expected to return.
• Purchase and use a good lock and helmet for your bike and motorcycle.
• Register your bike at the Police Station.

Safety Escorts

• If you are working late on campus, 15 minutes before you need to leave call the Escort Service at (310) 794-WALK to escort you to the parking lot available daily between dusk until 1a.m.
• Consider using the Evening Van Service (safe means of transportation around campus during the evening hours) (310) 825-9800.

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