NOVEMBER 1, 2024
Fall has arrived, and with it comes the crisp air, changing of the leaves, shopping for costumes and candy for Halloween. Along with these activities, comes the dreaded time change where we set our clocks back by one hour causing us to lose more daylight hours. A few things to keep in mind after the time change on November 3, 2024, make sure you are always aware of your surroundings, and if you have to walk at night do so in groups. I have listed some safety tips below to increase potential crime awareness.
Many students have a difficultly adjusting to the time change due in part to the loss of an hour of sleep. Adjusting to the new sunrise and sunset times takes a little time, but you can do some things to make this transition easier. For example, go to bed one hour earlier, eat a balanced diet, exercise, and make time for yourself to relax.
Unfortunately, many criminals like to strike at night under the dark sky, so travel in well-lit areas or carry a flashlight. That's not to say you are safer in the daylight, because a crime can happen anywhere, but you can reduce your risk of being a victim of crime. It is always a good idea to let a friend or someone you trust know where you are going and when they should expect you to return.
Your safety is vital for a positive college experience. During your time in college, you will most likely have numerous tasks on your agenda each day, and it is easy to forget that you could become a target for crime when you are busy writing papers, completing project assignments, studying, and testing. You may have other responsibilities such as a job, children, spouse, and numerous other obligations along with your college requirements, and it can be a lot to address. Here are some tips on how to remain safe on a college campus:
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Do not walk alone when possible
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Lock car/dorm/house doors and secure belongings.
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Pay attention to visitors to the school.
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Know your campus public safety services information.
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Financial safety
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Be careful about social media sharing
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Park near a streetlight.
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Be aware of your surroundings while walking to and from your vehicle.
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Report suspicious activity. "See something, say something!"
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Sign up for notifications if your school provides mass notification.
FIND OUT HOW MUCH CRIME HAPPENS ON YOUR CAMPUS
If you're choosing a university, you may want to review their annual security report. Every college in the US is required by the Clery Act to post a report/review of all crimes occurring on and nearby the campus. This report is usually found on the campus safety or campus police website.
But these reports only include crimes reported to the university, so these crime statistics may be incomplete. Among crimes that may be underreported are sexual assault, sexual misconduct, and alcohol-related incidents. However, campus safety reports can be used to understand how often and type of crimes that occur within a campus community. This can help you make an informed decision as you choose a university.
SIMPLE SELF-DEFENSE MOVES
The best rule of thumb in self-defense is to 'follow the centerline' of the attacker, and strike targets along the center of the body, as follows:
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Eyes
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Nose
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Throat
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Solar plexus
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Groin
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Knees
"Remember, your legs are longer and stronger than your arms, so use them. Also, your elbow is the hardest part of your body-use it against various targets if the fight gets in close."
~Pete Canavan, personal safety expert and cybersecurity consultant.
RED ZONE
According to the Center on Women and Families, 50% of college sexual assaults are reported in August, September, October, and November. This is the “red zone” where sexual assaults at U.S. universities spike every year beginning at the start of the fall semester and lasting through Thanksgiving break when most students go home. This phenomenon leads to student transfers, leaves of absence and leaving school all together. Protect yourself from becoming a statistic and follow these safety tips to help discourage criminals from targeting you.
WHAT TO DO IF AN ATTACK OCCURS
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Get to a Safe Place
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Call 911: Provide as much detail as possible when describing attacker.
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Call a trusted friend or family member for additional support.
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Possibly Consult Legal Counsel: Call an attorney to discuss legal options.
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Document everything: Proper documentation of the event may help you later if there are
The goal of this blog is to provide you with some basic information on ways to protect yourself from potential crimes especially during the first two years of college. The first two years on a college campus, you are less likely to know who or where to report a crime committed against you. You should take time to become familiar with the safety team support systems in place at your specific school, and if you see something, say something. You will have some wonderful experiences throughout your college and professional career, so let us do all we can to keep you safe during this journey.
Blog Archive
October 1, 2024