Personal Safety Tips
Personal safety at Western Piedmont is everyone’s concern and responsibility. Campus Security urges all members of the community to participate in making the campus as safe as possible. If you develop good security habits, you can assist us in protecting you and safeguarding your property. The following are some safety measures that could help prevent you from becoming a victim of crime.
Walking:
- Don’t walk alone. Campus Security officers will be more than glad to provide you an escort to your vehicle.
- Call the switchboard at (828) 438-6000.
- Use public, well-lighted walkways. Avoid any dark, isolated areas.
- Look alert and hold your keys in your hand when you are walking to your vehicle.
- Give your vehicle the quick “once over” before entering with a critical eye for possible break-ins or persons in the rear seat or floor area.
If you are being followed:
- Cross the street.
- Change direction.
- Keep looking back, so the person realizes you are aware of his/her presence.
- Go to a well-lighted area.
- Notice as many physical details as possible, so you can describe the person to the police.
- Report the incident to the police.
If you are alone in your room, an office or classroom:
- Keep the door locked.
- Always ask who is knocking before opening the door.
- Never prop open locked exterior building doors.
- When leaving your room (even if only for a few minutes), LOCK IT!
When you are driving:
- Drive with doors locked and windows rolled up.
- When you park, lock all doors and take your key with you.
- Store valuables out of sight in a locked trunk or glove compartment.
- Park in well-lighted areas.
- If possible, don’t drive alone.
- Don’t pick up hitchhikers.
- If you see blue lights on the car behind you, do not pull over until you are in a well-lighted populated area. The police officer will understand your concerns.
- If your car breaks down and someone stops to assist you, do not get out of your vehicle, roll down the window enough to tell them to call the police.