A noticeable increase in security and police force has occurred since last year. Aside from protective measures provided by Virginia Tech's police department, here are some tips to stay safe this coming school year.
Residential on- and off-campus living
A tightly knit community is vital to maintaining campus safety — it is important to report all suspicious activity immediately to the proper authorities. According to the Virginia Tech Police Department, there are, on average, 250 thefts each year at Virginia Tech.
Simply locking your door can make all the difference. Also, be sure to close all card swiped exterior doors when not in use and use your peephole when necessary. Remember that Hokie Passports contain personal information and are a key to your building. If your Hokie Passport is lost, contact Student Services immediately. Never attach your name or address to your keychain.
When it comes to theft, it is important to engrave your valuables, especially your bicycle. You are more likely to have your valuables returned to you in the event of a theft. The Virginia Tech Police Department can provide free engravers.
Much goes the same for off-campus living. It is fundamental to have an emergency plan for you and your roommates. Having a meeting place can be extremely helpful in case of any emergency.
Neighbors should work together and watch out for each other, thwarting crime before it starts. Most importantly, trust your instincts and take note of suspicious behavior. If something seems out of place, it probably is.
Personal security
It is essential to travel in groups whenever possible — just one other person can take away a perpetrator's opportunity for individuals who can be considered easy targets.
Stay in well-lit areas at night and try to avoid any shortcuts through unfamiliar, isolated areas. Be sure to be constantly aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking on campus alone at night and take advantage of Safe Ride, a nighttime safety escort service provided by the Virginia Tech Police Department. Safe Ride will provide transportation or a walking escort to all persons to any campus building for free from dusk until dawn. For an escort, call (540) 231-SAFE.
At Tech, there are blue-light emergency phones beacons in every student lot on campus that are directly connected to the Virginia Tech Police Department. It would be a good idea to become familiar with their locations.
Virginia Tech offers self-defense classes for students. Rape Aggregation Defense is a program of realistic, self-defense tactics and techniques. The program is a comprehensive course for women that begins by teaching awareness, prevention and reduction. It then progresses to the basics of hands-on defense training.
Identity theft comes in many forms, and you can never be immune to it. Of any group of people, college students cannot afford identity theft. All forms of banking and data collection are done online and can be a huge risk when it comes to your personal information's confidentiality.
Take steps to prevent identity theft every day by creating safeguards and limiting access to personal information. These days, identify theft has gone beyond researching government registers, internet search engines, and public records. Even those stealing mail or rummaging through dumpsters can put you at risk.
Be sure to provide vague information even on social networking websites such as Facebook. Information that can be considered too personal (such as class schedule) can often have unwarranted consequences.
Lastly, be sure to register for VT Alerts a notification system that sends text messages, e-mails, instant messages and phone calls during an urgent situation. To register, visit alerts.vt.edu.
Join a Safety Program
A great way to increase awareness is to participate in safety programs that are offered on campus. Specialized training can promote a safe and healthy environment.
Tech's very own Environmental, Health and Safety Services promotes a positive, integrated safety culture for the university community, advocates safe and healthy living, learning, and working environments, and helps departments comply with regulations and mandates. Its mission is to fulfill the role of a regulatory liaison through education, consultation, and compliance monitoring.
Zachary Adams, Co-Director of the Occupational Safety and Health Services, supports integration of environmental, health and safety considerations into daily operations and planning.
"We provide principle services, which can be found at the Web site." Adams said. "For the most part, we get involved in freshmen orientation and residence hall trainings to promote fire safety awareness."
The Environmental, Health and Safety Services generally provide classes for students that are actually employees of the university. Since the shootings on April 16, services have increased in demand.
"There have been no significant changes to the service curriculum, but there was much more demand than there was in the past as far as evacuation planning and fire strategy," Adams said.
For more information, visit ehss.vt.edu.
Vehicle Security
For those students who brought a vehicle to Virginia Tech, make sure to keep all valuables out of view from outside. Use the glove box and the trunk to hide valuables.
Parking in well-lit, highly visible lots that are close to traffic can make all the difference.
When it comes down to a crime of opportunity, small measures can prevent bigger problems.
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