Thousands of local college students are gearing up to head to campus, some of them for the first time, to embark on a journey toward continuing their education.
Although the start of the fall semester is an exciting time of year for incoming freshman and returning students alike, it can be easy for students to get caught up in the whirlwind of campus life and not be as vigilant about personal safety as they should be.
To start the year off on a positive note, StreetSafe has an app that transforms smart phones into security devices. StreetSafe's security service combines the GPS technology in your smart phone with a 24-hour state-of-the-art call center. The app has two main features: a silent alarm, which contacts police for you if you cannot dial 911 and a unique Walk With Me™ service, which allows users to connect with a live, trained Safety Advisor who will stay on the phone with you until you reach your destination safely.
Below are some additional college safety tips from Marcia Peot, a full time police officer and Chief Safety Officer at StreetSafe.
- Let friends or roommates know where you are going, who you are with and when to expect you home.
- Never leave outside doors propped open, and don’t let strangers into secured buildings or residence halls.
- A stranger is still a stranger, even if they are a fellow student. Do not accept a ride or go off somewhere alone with a person you don’t know.
- Do not drink in excess. When you do so, your ability to make decisions becomes impaired, making you an easy target.
- When approaching your car or residence, have your keys in your hand and check the area for suspicious individuals or activity.
- When walking by yourself, keep expensive belongings such as laptops hidden. You will be less of a target.
- The beaten path is the better path. Do not take short cuts and familiarize yourself with the area before heading out.
Downloading the StreetSafe app is free, but you do have to pay for the service online. Visit StreetSafe.com for more information.
