Summer break is almost here! The Cal Poly Police Department has some tips to keep you safe whether you’re staying in SLO, going home to work, or in a new city for an internship.
Below are six easy ways to prevent yourself from becoming more vulnerable than necessary or putting yourself into potentially harmful situations.
1. Be aware of your surroundings
When you find yourself becoming unaware of what’s going on around you, it’s time to turn the music down, put your phone away and open your eyes to what’s happening. This is important whether you’re in a familiar area or somewhere new.
2. Don’t walk alone at night
There is safety in numbers! If you aren’t able to walk home or to your car with a pal, use rideshare or public transportation, and make sure you tell someone your route and when you arrive home safely.
3. Know where to find the emergency Blue Lights on campus
There are nearly 100 “Blue Light” phones located throughout campus that are available 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 area.
4. Lock your car and home
We know summer can be relaxing, but don’t relax on safety. Locking your doors, especially when you’re alone or asleep, should be one of them. It is also important to lock your car door whether it’s at home or in a parking lot.
5. When your friends leave a party, you should too
No, you don’t need to call it an early night just because one of your friends does. But, what you should do is ensure you always have a minimum of one person with you that you know and trust. Being alone in a party setting isn’t smart – go home if you’re going to be alone because it is not worth the risk to stay – no matter how nice everyone there seems.
6. Always have emergency contacts on your phone
If you have a smartphone, program emergency numbers into it. It’s one of the first spots hospitals check if you’re admitted alone because they are able to bypass your passcode in order to access your contacts.
Your Cal Poly Police Department works throughout the year to make sure campus stays safe. They’ll be available all summer and available to assist 24/7 and may be contacted at 805-756-2281, or call 9-1-1 if there is an emergency.