Keep Safety in Mind as Semester Picks Up

As the fall weather sets in, days get shorter, and campus activities and studies pick up, students may find themselves out and about on campus more than usual. 

Students are encouraged to take caution, be vigilant, and practice a few behaviors that can help guard against potential safety issues.

1. See Something? Say Something. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to take an active role in the safety and well-being of themselves and those around them. If something doesn’t look “right,” call 404-894-2500 and a Georgia Tech Police officer will respond.
2. Avoid walking alone when possible — especially in the evening. If a bus or trolley is not available, the Stingerette service is available to transport students around campus seven days a week, from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. To request a ride, use the Android and iPhone apps (powered by RideCell)​, visit www.stingerette.com, or call 404-385-RIDE (7433). 
3. Use locks. Do not make theft easier by leaving your living space or bike unlocked. When studying on campus, don’t leave personal items unattended. Find a study partner who can watch your possessions if you need to step out of the room.
4. Don’t let your phone become a safety hazard. It’s easy to take out your phone and forget about the world around you, but this often results in dangerous situations. Remember to be aware of your surroundings. Look up when crossing the street, lower your phone’s volume when walking around campus, and use common sense to decide what times are appropriate to use technology.
5. Check out the Live Safe app to turn your smartphone into a safety tool instead of distratction. Highlights of the app include SafeWalk, which lets friends and family electronically “walk you home”; location sharing with GTPD in an emergency; and the option to report suspicious activity to GTPD with text, photos, and videos.

For more information on crime prevention and other safety initiatives, visit police.gatech.edu.