From prioritizing personal safety to mitigating identity theft risks, these prevention tips empower you to navigate your academic journey with confidence.
Personal Safety
- Stay alert: Stay focused on your surroundings and avoid distractions like texting or wearing headphones, which can make you less aware of your environment.
- Trust your instincts: if something feels wrong, it probably is.
- Choose well-lit areas: Stay in well-lit and populated areas to minimize risks.
- Be cautious when meeting new people online: avoid sharing personal information or agreeing to meet in private or secluded locations.
- Avoid walking alone: use the LiveSafe app to virtually walk with a friend or call 713.313.7001 to walk with a campus safety escort.
Alcohol and Drug Safety
- Understand laws and policies: Familiarize yourself with alcohol and drug policies to avoid risks.
- Drink responsibly: Never leave your drink unattended and seek help if needed.
- Know limits: Drink responsibly and know your limits to stay safe.
Property Safety
- Secure belongings: Lock doors and windows, and never leave personal items unattended in public areas.
- Keep valuables out of sight: Avoid leaving valuable items visible from outside, as this may attract thieves.
- Mark your belongings: Engrave or mark your belongings with identifying information, making them less desirable to thieves and easier to recover if stolen.
Sexual Assault Prevention
- Set Clear Boundaries: Communicate personal limits clearly with friends, acquaintances, and partners, and ensure they are respected.
- Respect Others' Limits: Honor the boundaries of others and promote mutual respect in all interactions.
- Support Friends: Keep an eye out for signs of discomfort or danger in friends and step in if needed.
- Take Red Flags Seriously: Pay attention to warning signs or gut feelings and address them without dismissing them as paranoia.
- Promote consent: Foster a culture of consent and respect in interactions.
Travel Safety
- Share travel plans: Inform a trusted individual about your travel plans for added safety.
- Stay on main roads: Stick to well-traveled routes, especially if you're unfamiliar with the area, to minimize the risk of getting lost or encountering dangerous situations.
- Use public transportation wisely: When using public transportation, wait in well-lit areas and board vehicles that are populated with other passengers. Sit near the driver or conductor if possible and be alert to any suspicious behavior or individuals.
- Stay connected: Carry a fully charged phone and keep emergency contacts saved in your phone in case you need assistance while traveling.
- Be prepared: Carry essential items such as a flashlight, whistle, and personal safety alarm, and know how to use them in case of emergency.
Identity Theft & Scam Prevention
- Protect personal information: Use strong, unique passwords for online accounts and change them regularly. Be cautious when sharing personal information online and avoid responding to suspicious emails or messages.
- Make secure online transactions: Use secure and trusted websites for online shopping and banking and avoid conducting financial transactions over public Wi-Fi to prevent identity theft and fraud.
- Safeguard personal data: Secure important documents such as your Social Security card and birth certificate, and shred paperwork containing sensitive information before disposal. Limit online sharing by adjusting privacy settings on social media platforms.
- Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions.
Report Suspicious Activity
Your vigilance matters! Help keep our campus safe by reporting any suspicious activity through the LiveSafe app. Your tiger eyes and ears are invaluable tools in preventing crime. Together, we can ensure a secure environment for everyone.