Newsletter May 2006

Security tips to follow on campus

We want to congratulate you all international students who are graduating this year. We wish you the best future and life.

Campus security and safety is an important subject. Many international students are not fully aware of the aspects of security due to different social and cultural backgrounds. Awareness to issues of campus security is extremely significant and this is why we thought it is important that we share this vital information with you.

When at home
Regarding your credit or debit cards
When using an ATM
When walking home
When you go out

1. When at home:

When you leave home, lock all doors, even if it is just for a short time.
Make certain to lock your door before you go to sleep.
Never leave the door open or leave keys in an unlocked cabinet or desk drawer.
It is not advisable to tape extra keys under desk drawers or at your house entrance.
When leaving your home for the day, make sure that all windows are closed and locked and all valuables and confidential materials are hidden.
Secure your purse, backpack, briefcase or laptop in locked cabinets, closets or other safe areas.

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2. Regarding your credit or debit cards:

Keep credit/debit cards, personal checks and cash in a safe place.
Keep a record of all credit /debit card account numbers and telephone numbers associated with these accounts in a secure location. You will need it to
cancel the cards if your wallet is stolen or lost.
Photocopy both front and back of all your credit cards and keep the copies in a secure location.
Do not keep Personal Identification Numbers (PIN) in any location that may be associated with the cards they activate.
Do not give account numbers over the telephone or by mail unless you are certain of the company’s service and credibility.
Always keep credit/debit card receipts.
Report the loss or theft of credit/debit cards immediately to the issuing bank.
File a police report in the jurisdiction where the card was stolen.

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3. When using an ATM:

Be alert at all times when using any ATM.
Avoid using an ATM in an isolated or poorly lighted area after dark.
Be accompanied by another person when using an ATM after dark.
Refrain from displaying cash. Place cash in your pocket or purse as soon as the transaction is completed.
If you notice anyone or anything that seems suspicious when using or considering the use an ATM, don’t make the transaction; use another ATM or return
at a later time.
Report all crimes to the operator of the ATM or to the local police.

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4. When walking home:

Try to avoid walking alone, particularly during hours of darkness. If you must walk alone at night use well–lit streets with as much vehicle traffic as
possible and walk near the curb.
Avoid carrying a purse and keep a wallet in your pocket instead. Keeping money separate will allow you to hand over your cash without sacrificing your
credit cards, ID cards and personal papers. If you must carry a purse, clutch it tightly under your arm and not loosely hung from your shoulder.
Scan the area ahead as you walk. If you observe suspicious person or vehicles, change direction and walk to a place of safety.
If you are walking when streets are relatively empty, make eye contact with everyone you pass and keep yourself at arm’s length away from them. Walk
briskly and confidently.
After dark, avoid public parks, vacant lots and areas with excessive trees and bushes.
When walking to your car after dark, have your keys in your hand and be ready to open the door. Get in quickly, lock the door and drive away.

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5. When you go out:

Don’t accept open drinks (alcoholic or non–alcoholic) from others who you do not know or do not trust; this includes drinks that come in a glass.
When in bars or clubs always get your drink directly from the bartender and do not take your eyes off the bartender or your order; don’t use the waitress
or let somebody go to the bar for you.
At parties, only accept drinks in close bottles or cans.
Never leave your drink unattended or turn your back on your table.
Do not drink from open beverage sources like punch bowls, pitchers or tubs.

Remember to keep handy the school security phone number, police and emergency contacts at all times.

We hope you will find this information useful and contributing to the safety of your belongings and yourself.

Source:
www.queensu.ca/security/safety.html
www.aladdin.wustl.edu/facilities/facility.nsf

ISO reserves the right to refuse publication of materials submitted and to edit that which is accepted for publication. The articles do not necessarily reflect the opinion, policy or purpose of ISO.

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