Personal Safety Tips

Living off campus requires taking adequate safety precautions.  Be observant at all times.  Anticipation can be a major factor in preventing crimes.  The tips below will remind you of things to watch for whether you're at home or out and about on the town.

At your house:

• If someone knocks on your door, identify the person before opening the door.  Do not trust that the person is who they say they are.  Ask for identification from utility and cable workers prior to allowing them entrance.
• Keep all your doors and windows locked, even when at home.  Make sure your door has a deadbolt lock.
• Purchase window coverings and close them completely at night.
• Always have your keys in hand when approaching your house or apartment.
• Do not leave messages on your door indicating that you are away and when you will return.  This invites thieves/intruders.
• Keep emergency numbers by your phone.
• If someone asks to use your phone for an emergency call, offer to telephone for them instead of allowing them access to your home.
• Do not put your address on your key ring.
• Know your neighbors.
• Park your vehicle in well lit areas and notify your landlord if additional lighting is needed.  Always lock your car doors.
• Install motion sensors by windows and doors to alert you to break ins/intruders.

 When going out:

• Never go out alone.  Always go with a friend or better yet, as a group.
• Have a safety buddy--someone you can call for a ride or help if you get into trouble.  Create a code word or phrase to use when you need help but may not feel comfortable saying so out loud.
• Tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back.
• Living in a climate where the temperature drops to deadly lows, it is important to ensure you and your friends are safely inside your residence(s) after a night out.  Do not leave anyone you're helping home until you've seen them enter the residence.  Recent incidents with students not finding their way to warmth and safety after a night involving drinking have resulted in serious injuries and death.  Read here for an example of a Minnesota college student's injuries resulting from sleeping on a porch of a neighbor's home after a day of drinking.
  
• Never leave your drink unattended or with someone you don't know.
• Don't accept drinks/food from strangers.  Only accept them directly from the server or bartender.
• Take turns as the sober driver with your friends.  You could be a lifesaver.
• Use the River Falls Sober Limo to get home safely when drinking.  It's cheap and available every weekend.
  
• Trust your instincts!  If you feel uncomfortable in a situation or with another person, leave the situation. There will always be other opportunities to have fun but your personal safety should always be your first priority.