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Department of Security >>Personal Safety Tips WalkingYou should always walk where there are lights. Avoid walking alone whenever possible. Use the University of Miami Security Escort Service at night. Carry your keys in your hand so you will have them ready when you arrive at your car, room, or home. Be aware of your surroundings and of the people around you. Do not wear excessive amounts of jewelry. Carry your hand bag firmly under your arm. Since shoulder bags are the easiest for thieves to grab, consider wearing a waist pack. DrivingAlways lock your car. Check the back seat before entering. Never leave valuables in plain view in your car. Never pick up hitchhikers. Make sure your car is in good running condition and that you have enough fuel. Carry enough change for a phone call. If you break down, tie a white cloth (an item to keep in the trunk along with a good spare tire and jack) to the antenna and wait for help. Never go with anyone who offers help but ask the person to call your garage, auto club, family member, or other trustworthy person for assistance. At HomeKeep shades down, windows secure, and doors locked. Use the peephole. If you must, leave extra keys with a trusted neighbor or relative. Avoid leaving a key under the mat, on a hook, or anywhere outside. In residential colleges, make sure your door is locked when you retire for the night. Do not leave it unlocked for your roommate. Lock the door to the adjoining suite when you are leaving or retiring. Do not prop open fire exits, which would allow easy access to the entire hall by undesirable persons. If you receive an obscene phone call, hang up immediately. Be Alert; Be SmartA person may be able to protect him/herself in a potentially dangerous situation. The first and best line of defense, however, is escape. Barring escape, a cool, quick assessment of the circumstances will help you to deal most effectively with the situation. An assailant who is thrown off guard by the conduct of a potential victim is often unsuccessful in his attack. If you learn self-defense techniques, you must routinely practice the tactics until they are second nature. Do not rely on weapons of any type. An assailant may be enraged by your weapon and use it against you. Remember also that, in order to be effective, a weapon must be ready to be used 100 percent of the time. Most of all, you must be committed to use it. If you are being intimidated, prolonged screaming may be a good defense. Yelling "fire" often alarms people more than other "attention getters." If you yell "help," people may think it is a joke or be fearful of becoming involved. Keep in mind that in the event of a false alarm, it is better to be a bit embarrassed than to risk being hurt. However, the response you choose to use is your own and must be based on the threat you perceive. |
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