The winter break and holiday season is always a special time of year. It is also a time when people become distracted and lose focus regarding their safety. We encourage our students and employees to have a safe and happy holiday season by implementing basic safety practices. We have provided safety tips for you to consider and implement. Please do not take your safety for granted during this time of year.
Students:
- Prior to leaving your off campus apartment or on campus residence hall be sure that all doors and windows are locked and secured.
- Within residence halls with a shared restroom secure the door from your side if equipped with a locking mechanism.
- Close drapes and blinds to your room.
- Avoid leaving expensive items behind.
- Register all valuables on the FSU PD Property Registration - Open to all students and it's on the SeminoleSAFE App, on the home page!
- If leaving a vehicle, please move it to a well-lit parking area and lock the doors.
- Ensure that bikes and scooters are properly secured to racks prior to leaving using a U-Bolt lock.
Office Safety:
- Lock your office door when you leave.
- Take personal valuables with you, and secure office equipment in locked cabinets or drawers.
- Consider contacting FSUPD for extra patrol checks if you feel your work area is vulnerable.
- Ensure FSUPD has up to date information for the alarmed locations and contacts for call-out personnel. Also confirm alarms are working properly prior to leaving. If you notice any locks in disrepair, or security discrepancies in your building, report them immediately to FSU maintenance 644-2424.
- If you must enter an alarmed area over the break, make sure you have the proper authorization and alarm codes to be in the area. Call FSUPD for assistance at 644-1234.
Driving:
- Avoid driving alone at night.
- Carry a cell phone in case of emergencies. All cell phones allow 911 calls even if you don't have an account (make sure the battery is charged).
- Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy before leaving town.
- Notify a contact person about your route, destination, and departure times.
- Lock your car, and don't leave purses, luggage, gifts, packages, or other valuables in plain sight. Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. This creates a temptation for thieves. If you must leave something in the car, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight.
- Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car. Set your alarm or use an anti-theft device.
- If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area.
- Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows.
- Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with children inside.
- Be sure to locate your keys while still inside, prior to going to your car.
- Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag and parcels. Do not put them down or on top of the car in order to open the door.
- When approaching or leaving your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings.
- Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area.
- Ask mall or store security for an escort before leaving your shopping location.
Shopping:
- Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
- Dress casually and comfortably.
- Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
- In public, don't brag about or flash large amounts of cash.
- Keep track of credit card slips and duplicates until you can shred them. Beware of people asking unusual questions about your accounts.
- Always carry your Driver License or Identification Card along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use.
- Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings.
- Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.
- Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.
- Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
- Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
- Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, "con-artists" may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.
- Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag and parcels. Do not put them down unsecured or on top of counters or tables. Thieves can sneak up and take them when you are not watching. Loop bags and purse handles through chair legs when eating in the food court.
At Home:
- Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes.
- When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.
- Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer.
- Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.
- Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home.
- When setting up a Christmas tree or other holiday display, make sure doors and passageways are clear inside your home.
- Be sure your Christmas tree is mounted on a sturdy base so children, elderly persons or family pets cannot pull it over on themselves.
- If you use lights on your Christmas tree ensure the wiring is not damaged or frayed. Frayed or damaged wiring can cause a fire.
- Place your Christmas tree in water or wet sand to keep it green.
- Never place wrapping paper in your fireplace.
Strangers at your Door:
- Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes.
- When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.
- Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer.
- Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.
- Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home.
- When setting up a Christmas tree or other holiday display, make sure doors and passageways are clear inside your home.
- Be sure your Christmas tree is mounted on a sturdy base so children, elderly persons or family pets cannot pull it over on themselves.
- If you use lights on your Christmas tree ensure the wiring is not damaged or frayed. Frayed or damaged wiring can cause a fire.
- Place your Christmas tree in water or wet sand to keep it green.
- Never place wrapping paper in your fireplace
