Be Proactive: How to Keep Yourself Safe on Campus

While the chances of you becoming the victim of a crime during your time at Syracuse are low, it is still important to know what steps you can take to keep yourself and your belongings safe. We have teamed up with the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to put together a list of important tips and things for you to know to help keep yourself safe during your time here.

First, if you are not one of the 10,000 community members who have already done so, whether you live on or off campus, we highly recommend you download the Orange Safe app. This app has something for everyone. Some of its most used features include:

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  Orange Safe App

  Easy Emergency Communications: Connect to 911 for off-campus emergencies or DPS in an on-campus emergency by calling or live chatting with DPS staff 24/7.

• On Campus BlueLight: While you are on campus, tap the button to simultaneously send your location to and call the DPS Emergency Communications Center.
• Safe Walk: Send your location in real-time to a friend so they can watch you as you walk to your destination.
• Tip Reporting: Prevent dangerous situations by submitting a tip—anonymously or associated with your profile—and have real-time chat interactions with a member of the DPS dispatch team.
• Social Escape: Get out of a tough social situation by receiving a call and giving you an excuse to leave.
• Quick Access to Support Resources: Access important phone numbers and websites for safety and wellness resources.

A common misconception about this app is that because it is a safety resource from DPS, it can track you. Please know, this is not the case and that your privacy is of the utmost importance. You can only be located if you have asked for help. Orange Safe’s location information is only enabled when you choose to make an emergency call or when you use the On Campus BlueLight feature.

Keeping Yourself Safe

There are simple steps you can take to keep yourself safe on and off campus. These can also be helpful when you are traveling to new places.

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  Students walking together across campus. (Photo by Marilyn Hesler)

  Walk in groups of three or more, especially after dark. If that’s not possible, use the campus bus system or the safety escort services provided by Parking and Transportation Services.

• Pay attention to your surroundings and maintain your personal space. If a person moves inside your comfort zone, move away.
• Follow the rules of the road when walking across the street or bicycling/skateboarding near campus. Don’t forget to wear a helmet.
• Rideshare safely, remember SAMI: Stop, Ask, Match, Inform

Keeping Your Property Safe

Your personal items are important to you and some of those items may hold a significant value. It is important to do what you can to safeguard them, including the following:

• Always lock your windows and doors, even if you are only going to be away from your room/apartment/house for a short period of time.
• Keep your belongings with you. Never leave cell phones, laptops, wallets or other valuables behind–it only takes a few seconds for someone to walk away with them.
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  Bicycle secured using a U-Bolt lock. (Photo by Marilyn Hesler)

  Use a U-bolt locking device for your bicycle and register your bike with DPS.

• Know two ways out! One of the most basic fire survival skills is knowing how to get out of wherever you may be. Whether you are somewhere new or somewhere you are familiar with, locate and familiarize yourself with additional exits.
• Report any activity that may look suspicious. If something doesn’t look or feel right on campus call DPS (315.443.2224) or for off campus call 911.
  • What is considered suspicious activity:
    • Strangers entering your neighbor’s apartment
    • Strangers trying doors to see if they are locked
    • The sound of breaking glass or other loud noises
    • Persons carrying bolt cutters and tools—especially near bicycles
    • Persons running—especially if carrying something valuable (They could be leaving a crime scene.)

For additional information or questions about how to keep you and your belongings safe on and off campus, visit the DPS website.