Safety Tips

  • Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Do not use distracting devices such as cell phones and iPods when walking, especially while traveling alone.
  • Do not engage, or become engaged, in conversations with strangers.
  • Avoid dark or hidden walkways and the temptation to use shortcuts and informal pathways.
  • Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a place or situation, leave the area and go somewhere safe.
  • Never hesitate to contact University Police if you feel unsafe by calling 215-895-222 or 911.
  • Keep the doors and windows of your residence locked. (Never prop open otherwise locked doors.)
  • Don’t leave purses, backpacks, or books unattended on campus.
  • Don’t keep large sums of cash, jewelry, or other valuables in your apartment.
  • Never leave valuables visible in your car. (Lock them in your trunk or take them with you.)
  • Use your burglar alarm system if you have one!
  • Lock your doors, even when you are home.
  • Lock all doors and windows, even when you are only going to be away for a short while. If at all possible, keep doors and windows closed when home alone, and certainly while asleep.
  • Do not open your door for someone you do not know or cannot see. Don’t worry about being polite.
  • Don’t allow people you do not know to “tailgate” behind you into your building. Every person who is authorized to be in your building should have a key.
  • Don’t allow people you do not know to “tailgate” behind you into your building. Every person who is authorized to be in your building should have a key.
  • The most common crimes in apartments/houses are burglaries. Violence can result when residents return home during a burglary. If you come home and believe someone has unlawfully entered your apartment, DO NOT GO INSIDE. Go to a safe place and call 911.
  • Immediately report any building security problems to your landlord (broken locks, burned-out lights, burglar alarm system malfunctioning).
  • Avoid walking alone at night.
  • If you think someone is following you, cross the street, walk faster, or even walk down the middle of the street. Try to go to a lighted area, a store, or a group of people.
  • Walk near the curb and use the safest, lighted routes to your destination. Avoid alleys, parks, vacant lots, and dark parking areas.
  • Know where emergency phones are located along your route.
  • Walk with purpose, keep your eyes up, and scan your surroundings. Make eye contact with others.
  • Anticipate potentially dangerous situations.
  • If your purse is snatched, wallet is snatched, cell phone is grabbed, or any of these or other valuables are demanded – don’t fight. Give it up rather than risk injury. It won’t be a great loss if you carry no more cash than is absolutely necessary and keep a list at home of all credit cards, licenses, etc.
  • When you walk to your vehicle, have your keys ready in your hand so you will not have to stand outside your car looking for them in your handbag or pocket.
  • Lock the doors as soon as you get into your vehicle and keep them locked.
  • If you believe you are being followed by another car, do not lead them to your residence or parking lot. Attempt to locate an open business, or drive until you see a police car and honk your horn and lights to attract attention. Try to obtain the license number of the other vehicle to give to the police
  • Avoid using Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) when anyone suspicious is nearby, if it is dark and you are alone, or if the ATM appears altered.