The 2014 Presidential Task force estimates that more than 10,000 college students will experience aggravated assault or robbery each year on college campuses, 1 in 5 women will be a victim of sexual assault on their college campus, and more than 20% of the 12 million women expected to attend college this year will be a victim of sexual assault. Law enforcement calls September and October, the first two months of school, the “Red Zone”. These two months have the highest amount of injuries, accidents, and deaths than any other time of the year. During these crucial first two months of school, it is essential for students to be extra cautious as they are taking night classes, walking alone, or while learning the campus layout. With that being said, it is important to put campus safety first. Here are a few campus safety tips you should always keep in mind.
Carry pepper gel
If your campus allows it, carrying pepper gel on your key ring is a convenient way to always have a form of defense in your hands. The SABRE pepper gel is my pepper gel of choice not only because SABRE is the leading provider of personal safety tools world wide, but because it is safe to use indoors and doesn’t have an affect on innocent bystanders with the wind blow reduction features. I would recommend using a practice canister to improve accuracy in case you are ever in need to use the pepper gel in a threatening situation. The practice spray does not contain the pepper irritant, making it safer for practice.
Install a dorm/apartment alarm
Standalone alarms can be placed on doors, windows, and personal belongings. This will sound an alarm when a door or window is opened in your dorm or apartment to help alert you if an intruder is present. The SABRE kit is a convenient all in one, easy to set up kit that comes with the door stop alarm, window or door alarm, and a personal alarm to give you maximum safety wherever you reside.
Bring a buddy
Never walk alone on campus. It’s always best to walk in large groups, or at the very least, with a friend. You will less likely be a target if you are accompanied.
Walk in lighted areas
Attackers tend to favor dark areas as opposed to well lit, so when walking around campus alone or with a friend, choose a well lit path. You will have a better idea of your surroundings and will be less of a target.
Use campus transportation
Many campuses have transit systems that will bring you to and from your dorm or from building to building if you have a night class. If you don’t feel comfortable walking in a group at night, take advantage of this option.
Park close to the building
The closer you park, the less you have to spend being alone or as a target. Parking closer can also mean you are by a light source at night as well, which will be to your advantage.
What do you do to stay safe? For more safety tips and info, be sure to follow SABRE on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
This post is sponsored by SABRE but all opinions are my own.
Amber Lynn says
I always had pepper gel on me when I had to walk to class from about a block away.
Robin says
My dad told me to make a habit of getting out of my car, then lightly touching the outside door handle with the tip of my keys. This way, you can never accidently leave your keys in the car (you are holding them when you touch the handle with them). It can prevent you from forgetting a keychain that has pepper spray.