Personal Safety Tips
Review the three sections of tips below to learn how to protect yourself and how to prepare for winter driving.
Personal Accompaniment Safety Service (P.A.S.S.)
The Campus Security Department will provide a free Personal Accompaniment Safety Service (P.A.S.S.) to those individuals who feel more comfortable having someone to walk with them at night. Personal Accompaniment Safety Service is provided from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m., and beyond this time as requested. Contact the Campus Security Officer at 563-425-3500.
Protecting Yourself
In Your Room
- Lock your door.
- Lock door and window when you are alone or sleeping.
- Keep valuables out of sight.
- Keep emergency numbers by phone.
- Do not leave notes that you are away.
- Do not let strangers in residents’ hall floor or premises.
- Do not prop open outer doors.
- Do not put your address on your key ring.
- Know your neighbors.
- If you find yourself in immediate danger call 5372 or 5816 when dialing 5816 you will hear a tone and some dead space then it will start ringing.
When Walking
- Avoid walking alone at night unless absolutely necessary.
- Keep to well lit areas.
- Avoid shortcuts and dark areas.
- Walk with purpose.
- Avoid potentially dangerous situations.
- If you feel threatened, cross the street, enter a place of business.
- Have your keys ready.
- Use security escort service between the hours of 8 PM and 4 AM.
When Driving
- Look into car before getting in.
- Never pick up strangers.
- Do not stop to help occupants of a stopped or disabled vehicle.
- If you feel that you are being followed go to police or open place of business.
- Raise hood, then lock yourself into your car if it breaks down.
Protecting Your Car/Bicycle
- Always lock your car.
- Do not leave valuables in plain sight.
- Lock bikes to bike rack.
Winter Driving Tips
Before you travel have a mechanic check the following items on your car:
- Battery
- Thermostat
- Antifreeze
- Heater
- Lights
- Defroster
- Brakes
- Oil level
- Exhaust system
- Wipers
- Ignition system
- Windshield
- Install good winter tires
- Keep a windshield scraper and a small broom for ice and snow removal
- Carry a winter car kit
- Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season
- Plan long trips carefully
- Listen to the radio for any weather conditions that might come up
- Dress warmly
- Wear layers of loose fitting, lightweight clothing
- Take food and water
If you get stranded:
- Stay in the car
- Avoid overexertion
- Display a trouble sign
- Hang a brightly colored cloth on the radio antenna
- Occasionally run engine to keep warm
- Do minor exercises to keep up circulation
- Clap hand and move arms and legs occasionally
- If more than one person in the car, take turns sleeping
- For warmth, huddle together
- Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia
Never plan a trip without letting someone know where you are going and when you will arrive.
Winter Car Kit
- Non-perishable food
- Bottled water
- Flashlights with extra batteries
- First aid kit with pocket knife
- Flares
- Extra sets of clothes
- Extra mittens, socks and wool cap
- Several blankets or sleeping bags
- Small shovel
- Tools (screwdriver, pliers, and wrench)
- Small sack of sand for traction under wheels
- Jumper cables
- Tow chain
- Set of tire chains
- Brightly colored cloth or flag
- Essential medication
- Plastic bags (for sanitation)
- Toiletries and personal items
- Matches and candles
- Newspapers for insulation