Winter is here. At Cal Poly that typically means days in the high 60’s with the eventual rainy spell. This also means shorter days, and longer nights. If you’re leaving class or work in the evening hours it’s good to take some extra precautions. The Cal Poly Police Department has a few tips to help keep you stay safe this winter quarter:
- Avoid Walking Alone at Night. The buddy system works great on a college campus! Walking with a friend or roommate is always a good idea and can be done six feet apart while wearing your mask.
- Locate Emergency Blue Light Phones. There are nearly 100 “Blue Light” phones located throughout campus that can be used 24/7 to contact emergency responders. Keep an eye out for these the next time you find yourself on a campus walkway, parking structure, or other common areas.
- Consider Carrying a Whistle or Pepper Spray. It never hurts to carry these personal defense devices. You can even attach them to your keys to create a stylish lanyard.
- Put Devices Down. Don’t allow your device to distract you. Wait until you are at your destination to check your Instagram feed. This also means turning down the tunes in your air pods so you can hear your surroundings.
- Travel in Well-Lit Areas. Stick to campus paths with good lighting and avoid hidden short cuts.
- Tell a Friend or Family Member Your Whereabouts. Always let a friend, roommate or even family member know where you plan on being at night. You can also share your location in case of an emergency.
As always, you can always reach campus police 24/7 at 805-756-2281. Check out CPPD’s website for more ways to keep yourself safe this winter.