College Student Safety

I’m very concerned by the lack of personal safety information for college students.  In a recent search, I found dozens of products meant to make a lot of noise to prevent burglary or personal assault.  While these options are nice to have as a last resort and to get the attention of potential witnesses to a crime, they are not always effective at preventing the crime itself.  That simple personal alarm does not stop a rape or attack from happening.  It merely draws attention to it.  Same goes for dorm or apartment alarms.  Your belongings might still get lifted, regardless of how loud the alarm is or who saw the theft occur.  While there are plenty of products on the market, I’m going to avoid suggesting you purchase any of them.  If they will make you feel safer, fine, but realize that that safety is an illusion.  That personal alarm will not turn into an attack dog the moment you push it.  And like all technology, it is fallible.  Personally, I’d go with the old standby of just screaming.  You can also consider using a whistle.  Here are some things to keep in mind to truly keep you safe as you further your education and go about your day-to-day.

·         Many colleges have emergency buttons and/or telephones in obvious places across the campus.  Know where these are and hit one if it’s convenient to do so, but keep in mind that just like the personal alarm, it won’t instantly transport you to safety.  Police will take several minutes to respond.  More importantly, know the area and where any safe public places are (and when they are open) in case of emergency.  Carrying a cell phone with important numbers on speed dial is also a fantastic idea.

·         Use the buddy system.  Walk with a friend wherever you go, particularly at night.  It’s best not to walk at night at all, but in the interest of being realistic, I’m suggesting the buddy system.  It makes you less of a target if there are at least two of you, and that’s an extra brain on your side should things turn foul.  Try to stay in well lit areas when walking, and avoid parking in isolated areas.

·         Use God’s gifts of Awareness and Intuition (see previous posts)

·         Tell someone where you are going and what your schedule is like.  If something does happen, it will be more helpful to search efforts to know the route you had planned to take.  This includes classes, work, and dates!

·         Keep doors and windows locked.  We’re talking car and living quarters.  Sort of obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people ignore basic safety precautions.

·         Take a self defense class.  It is extremely important to know how to deliver effective strikes and to know a good block or two.  Get your friends in on it too.  Oftentimes, university police or another organization on campus or nearby offers a class.

·         Don’t accept drinks from anyone, especially drinks that are not sealed with a cap. 

·         Don’t bother with pepper spray.  Surprised?  Pepper spray is a fantastic product and is an effective defense tool…if used correctly.  Many people have it on their key chain and have no idea how to use it.  Unless you have it open in your hand, in a ready position, it is unlikely an attacker will give you time to dig it out and use it.  As a note, key chain pepper sprays are usually a single use deal as well, so if you miss the first time, you had better have a backup plan!

·         Don’t constantly share where you are or where you plan to be on social media.  Sure, it’s a good idea for someone to know, but do you really feel comfortable with everyone on your friends list knowing where you’ll be tonight? 

Until next time, folks, stay safe.  Stay smart.