Personal Safety Tips

If you sense a potential threat, consider your options and take action immediately to get away from the danger.

Yell or scream. Attract attention. Yell “Call the Police” and run toward a lighted public area. Go into an open business or building and call Campus Safety (x7911) or the Police/Sheriff (911). Describe what happened and where. Give a detailed description of the suspect, as well as a description of any vehicle involved and its license number. Tell the operator which direction the person went, as well as any other pertinent information.

The best time to plan your response to a crime is before it occurs. Consider your options and abilities. Consider how you will act in certain situations. What items do you normally carry that have self-defense potential? Remember that nothing you own is worth getting hurt over. If you’re in danger, do anything you can to escape and call for help. On campus dial x7911, off campus call 911.

Theft is the most common campus crime. It is a crime of opportunity that you are in the best position to prevent by reducing or removing the opportunity.

• Keep the doors and windows of your residence locked. Never prop open otherwise locked doors.
• Don’t leave purses, backpacks, or books unattended anywhere on campus.
• Keep a list of serial numbers and descriptions of your valuables. This is your only means of retrieving your property if it is recovered after a theft. Engrave valuable items (bicycles, electronics, computers, etc.) with your driver’s license number. Campus Safety has implemented a bicycle registration program for easier identification in case your bike is stolen and recovered.
• Don’t keep large sums of cash, jewelry, or other valuables in your room. Any valuables you do bring to campus should leave with you when you go home for vacation.
• Always remove your keys and lock your car. Park in campus-owned lots. Most cars broken into in the neighborhood were parked on the street.
• Install an auto alarm system, particularly if you have an attractive stereo system, or other valuable equipment.
• Never leave valuables visible in your car. Lock them in your trunk or take them with you.
• Most vehicles are broken into when they are parked in poorly lit areas with expensive stereos or valuables laying out in plain sight.
• Mopeds and scooters should be shackled to immovable posts or blocks provided in various areas for your convenience. Combustion engine vehicles such as mopeds and motorcycles may not be parked inside any building.

• Use a U-shaped lock to secure your bike, even if you only plan to leave it for a moment.
• Only use bike racks for short term parking, never overnight as a thief can steal an unsecured bike in seconds.
• Residence halls have approved indoor bike storage areas for overnight storage
• Campus Safety now provides a bicycle registration service designed to record your information along with that of your bike in case of a theft. You can complete this process online  and view more information regarding bicycle security and theft prevention here.

• Lock all doors and windows, even when you are only going to be away for a short while. If at all possible, keep doors and windows closed when home alone, and certainly while asleep.
• Keep emergency phone numbers close to your telephone. On-campus callers should call x7911 for Campus Safety, and 9911 for PCSD.
• Those living off campus should call the County 911 emergency dispatch center for fire, medical, and police services.
• Do not open your door for someone you do not know or cannot see. Don’t worry about being polite.
• Never allow strangers in to use the phone, even if they say it’s an emergency. Call for them, but don’t let them in.
• Don’t hide keys outside. If you can think of a place to hide a key, a burglar can find it.
• If you have to leave your car keys with a mechanic or parking lot attendant, remove all keys from the ring except the car keys. Never put your home address on your key ring or attach an ID card to your key ring.
• Get to know your neighbors and get involved in your local “Safe Streets” or “Block Watch” group. The Parkland Community Association is directly involved with the area surrounding PLU.

• Never let anyone into the hall unless you positively know him or her as a resident. If they claim to be visiting a friend, instruct them to call them on the phones provided at the entrance to each residence hall.
• Never prop open outside doors. You’ll be placing everyone else at risk.
• Keep your door locked when you are inside your room, and make sure it is locked whenever you leave, even if it is only for a few moments. Leaving a door open is a dangerous mistake, one that has cost lives on other college campuses.
• Do not leave messages announcing your absence. This invites theft.
• If you are in immediate danger call 7911 if possible, or scream, or even pull a fire alarm if one is accessible. Remember a false alarm is no joke (it’s a crime), but pulling a fire alarm is an acceptable and appropriate action in an emergency situation.
• Do NOT loan your keys or Lutecard to others.

• Avoid walking alone at night. If you are on campus  you can call Campus Safety at (253) 535-7441 for a walking escort.
• On or off campus it is advisable to walk with a friend whenever possible. Keep in mind that on a small campus like PLU, odds are that someone else is also leaving within a few minutes and is headed in your direction. Just ask!
• Choose routes that avoid dark and vacant areas.
• Always have your cell phone ready to use if needed
• Wear clothes and shoes that allow you to move quickly.
• Walk with purpose, keep your eyes up, and scan your surroundings. Make eye contact with others.
• Anticipate potentially dangerous situations.
• Have your keys in hand. You’ll avoid standing outside fumbling for them, and they make a good weapon if the need arises.

• Look into your car before getting in, noticing if anything is disturbed or out of place. Once inside lock all doors and keep windows rolled up.
• Drive well traveled and brightly lit roads.
• Never pick up a hitchhiker.
• If you suspect you are being followed, drive to an open business to seek help. If you fear leaving your car, sound the horn repeatedly. If someone stops to help, stay in your car and ask them to call for help for you.

PLU is located within a residential community that is bordered by a busy commercial thoroughfare.  To improve your level of personal safety you can use various crime prevention tactics.

• Walk with friends when walking off campus.  Listen to your inner warning voice if you feel a situation is not normal or dangerous.
• Make a call to Campus Safety if you feel another person is in danger, might not belong in your residence hall, or might be up to some mischief.  Most of the time your instincts will be correct, so act on them.
• Do not prop open outside doors; close propped doors if you find them.
• Always lock your own room, whether you are in it or not.
• Don’t leave valuables in your car, especially in view.
• When going out make a plan. Know how and when you will get back to campus. Let others know about your plans.

Many students live off campus within the surrounding community. PLU reminds students who are living or visiting others within the area to be Safe, Legal and Neighborly.

BE SAFE

• If you choose to attend a party, only go where you know the host and those attending.
• If you choose to host a party, only admit those you know.
  • Provide water and non-alcoholic beverages.
• If you choose to drink, drink in moderation.
• Discourage “drinking games” as these tend to take people out of responsible drinking behavior.
• Don’t share beverage containers.
• Help each person maintain control over his/her behavior.
• If there is a life/death emergency, call 911 immediately and indicate the nature of the emergency.  Then, call Campus Safety at x7911 (on-campus) or 253-535-7911 (off-campus) for additional assistance.

BE LEGAL

• If serving alcohol, be sure everyone is of legal age.
• Be sure no one charges for entrance, sells or takes “donations” for alcohol.
• Use a designated driver who does not drink.
• Cooperate with all law enforcement officials, including Campus Safety.
• Avoid risking an MIP, DUI, or open container arrest.

BE NEIGHBORLY

• Hold the party indoors (tarps that block the entrance or exit are illegal).
• Let neighbors know in advance of your plans.
• Be considerate of your neighbors’ property and sleep.
• Clean up afterwards