The new school year means everyone is back on campus including intruders and creeps. It's more important than ever to watch out for your own safety and those around you.

1. Never Walk Alone at Night

I have actually mentioned this in a past article but I think it is important to repeat this over and over again. By walking alone at night you become a sitting duck for potential muggers and creeps. Having friends with you means added safety and a group is more intimidating to approach than a single individual. There are also more eyes to notice any suspicious activity happening and more phones to call in if something is wrong. If you see someone walking home alone at night, especially if you know them, don’t be afraid to step up and offer to walk them home. It’s always best to make sure that someone makes it home safe than letting them walk home alone. 

2. Double Check Your Car

After working many closing shifts alone at Subway in high school I learned to always check my car at night before getting in. This may sound like you are being overly dramatic but people have gotten into cars and waited for the drivers to come out in order to mug them. Locking your car is equally as important to prevent break-ins and also check for any valuables that can be seen from outside the car. There have been frequent break-ins where people have gotten laptops and book bags stolen because they left them sitting out in plain view. Even if the bag does not contain any valuables, don’t leave it sitting out in your car. It’s better to stick the bag in the trunk or hide it than pay hundreds of dollars to replace a car window. 

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Call Student Safety to Take You Home 

At Ohio State we are lucky enough to have a student safety service that you can call in earlier in the night to take you home at a specified time. This means on weekdays and weekends, no matter where you are at you can ensure that you will get home safely.  I have used this multiple times when I’ve had to stay up late studying and it’s reassuring to know that I will safely make it home. Ohio State offers many services to help keep you safe but it is your responsibility to utilize them. 

4. Don’t Be Distracted While Walking 

Although many of us get bored while walking home and tend to look at our phones or put in headphones. This is one of the most dangerous things you can do to yourself. If you aren’t paying attention to your surroundings, you can get lost or not notice any suspicious activity. This makes you an easier target to people around you so it is best to stay off your phone for the walk so you can stay safe. 

5. Be Wary of People You Have Just Met 

It’s normal to go out to parties or bars and meet new people but it is still best to be careful. I have heard too many horror stories of people meeting someone new and bringing them back to their dorm to only hear of sexual assault occurring. It’s best to stay in a neutral place and not part from your friends even if that person seems “really nice and really cool.” You never know what is running through their mind and what could happen. Stay on your toes and just get that guy’s number for the time being. It’s better to hold off on them and stay safe instead of finding yourself in a bad situation with a stranger.

6. Double Check Doors and Windows Before Sleeping 

Often times on Ohio State’s campus, break-ins occur because of a door left unlocked or a window left open. Always check these before going to bed or going out for the night. This is especially important if you have roommates who may not pay attention as much. You don’t want to have to deal with the mess that could happen if things are carelessly left unlocked.

7. Don’t Just Sit in Your Car 

When we get out of a store or restaurant, it is normal to just want to sit there and check your phone or organize things in your car. This can be extremely dangerous especially at night. This is a great time for someone to walk up to your car and mug you/get into your car. There was an instance over the summer where two people were sitting in a car at McDonald’s and a stranger approached them at gunpoint. Don’t allow this to happen to you, your phone can wait but your safety can’t. 

8. Call 9-1-1 To Report Suspicious Activity 

If you notice any suspicious persons or anything going on, don’t be afraid to call the police. After living in Columbus over the summer there were a few times where we called in to have someone drive around the neighborhood to make sure that everything was safe because we didn’t feel safe in our house. If you notice someone hanging around houses or just odd behavior, call in. You can never be too safe when it comes to suspicious activity around campus. Be smart and be safe.