With daylight saving time coming to a close soon and days being darker longer, it’s essential to stay alert and safe on campus and around the residence halls. Here are some tips to keep yourself and your belongings safe this fall and winter.
Lock your doors.
Even when you’re in your room, you should lock your doors. It only takes a few seconds to enter an unlocked room and take books, cash, laptops, etc. If someone knocks on your door, look through the peephole before opening the door.
Carry your key and ID.
Keeping your ID and room key on your person ensures your room and valuables stay safe. Never give your ID or room key to someone else, and return lost IDs to the campus ID Office located in Boyer.
Sign in guests.
Don’t let people tailgate into the residence halls. If you think someone has entered the residence halls without a resident, contact the Resident Assistant on duty. Always accompany your guests throughout their stay in the residence halls, and be sure to sign them in and out of the building with the Desk Assistant or RA at the desk.
Keep your valuables secure.
Don’t leave backpacks, books, laptops, or other valuables unattended in public or in your unlocked room. This includes large amounts of cash. Keep your money in the bank and withdraw it when you need it.
Walk in well-lit areas.
If you have to walk around campus or around the residence halls after the sun sets, make sure to walk along sidewalks and pathways that have lampposts. Walking in dark areas could potentially increase the chance of something happening to your person or belongings.
Use the buddy system after dark.
Whether you physically use the buddy system or the LiveSafe app, having friends escort you to your destination greatly improves your safety. Walk to late-night classes with friends or have them virtually walk with you to make sure you get to your destination safely.
Create a safety kit.
While Millersville has a strict “no deadly or offensive weapon” policy, students can carry pepper spray to keep themselves safe. Carrying a whistle will alert those nearby when you require assistance or are in danger. Keep your safety kit handy so you can grab it easily at any time.
Learn self-defense.
The Martial Arts Club offers kickboxing classes, taekwondo classes, and Russian martial arts (ROSS) classes throughout the week. All three martial arts are forms of self-defense, and no prior experience is required! You can learn more information about the classes offered on the Martial Arts Club’s GetInvolved page.