Safety

If you have seen American films, television shows or news reports, you may believe the U.S. has a great deal of serious and violent crime…. There is crime. You do have to be careful and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. Anytime you leave a door unlocked in a car or apartment, or leave your books and belongings unattended in the library, the Student Center or anywhere else, there is a chance someone may seize the opportunity to take your belongings.

PROTECTING YOURSELF ON THE STREETS

• Always walk with confidence.
• Be careful crossing streets. Drivers may not see you.
• Avoid walking alone in isolated areas and at night.
• Do not ask strangers on the street for directions.
• If you are lost, ask a police officer or a CCT employee for directions.
• If you think you are being followed, cross the street, go into a store, or move to a well-lighted public area. If someone tries to rob you don't resist. Give up your property not your life.
• If you sense a potential threat, take action to get away and protect yourself.
• Don't display or flash large sums of money.
• Carry a whistle in your hand with your keys and be ready to frighten attackers and attract attention if you are attacked or feel threatened in any way.
• If possible, tell your roommate or some other person where you are going and when you will return.

PROTECTING YOURSELF AT HOME

• If you live on campus, make sure you know the proper procedures to notify police or fire personnel.
• Keep your doors locked even when you are at home
• If someone knocks at your door or rings your doorbell, do not open the door until you know who is there.
• Make sure your apartment door has a peephole (to look out the door without having to open it) and a dead bolt lock. Both can be bought at any hardware store. You must have permission from management if you are installing them.
• If someone comes to your door claiming to be a police officer or service person, you can telephone the police station or business to verify the person's identity.
• If someone comes by trying to sell you something, you are not required to open the door.
• If a stranger asks to use your phone, you may offer to summon emergency assistance or make the call for him or her.
• Be fully dressed when delivery men or repairmen come to your home.
• Burglars or thieves are often able to enter an apartment because someone has left their doors or windows open and/or unlocked.
• Good lighting at apartment entrances and in parking lots is important.
• If you come home and you suspect someone has broken into your apartment, leave immediately in case the burglar is still there. Go to the nearest neighbor, phone booth, store, etc. and call the police.
• If you go out after dark, leave a light on outside and inside your apartment.
• When returning late at night with a friend or in a taxi, ask the driver to wait until you are in the house and signal that everything is all right.
• If you are concerned about the safety of the neighborhood, you can contact the local police department and ask about crime in the area and in the apartment building. You can also call the crime prevention unit of your local police department to come and inspect your home and provide more specific information about improving the safety of your apartment. Ask if this service is free.
• If you will be out of town for an extended period of time, have your mail held at the post office that delivers your mail. This is done by going to the post office in person and filling out a request to have your mail held form. Or, you can have a trusted friend get your mail. If you have newspaper delivery have it stopped while you are gone.
• If a caller asks for your credit card, bank account or social security number to verify a free vacation, a prize, or a gift, say "No, Thank You" and hang up.
• If you're calling a 900 number in response to an advertisement, make sure you know all the costs up front.
• Be aware of high-pressure tactics aimed at forcing a quick decision.
• Be aware of companies with seemingly copied names like "Salvation League" rather than "Salvation Army."

PROTECTING YOURSELF ON CAMPUS

• Do not walk around campus unescorted at night or anytime it is dark.
• Do not leave valuables unattended even briefly. Crime happens in minutes.
• Do not take valuables in your knapsack to the bookstore. You have to leave your knapsack in the front of the store unattended.
• Use a helmet when riding your bike and a U-shaped lock to secure it.

PROTECTING YOURSELF IN YOUR CAR

• If you plan to drive to campus a KSU parking permit will be mailed out to you.
• Park only in non-restricted lots when coming to school.
• Learn where the emergency call boxes are located on campus.
• Make sure your car is in good working order, with safe tires and an adequate amount of gas. Vehicles and passengers stranded on roads are easy targets.
• Keep doors and windows locked.
• Do not leave your purse or other valuables on the seat or other visible places. Put your purse, book bag, briefcase, or other valuables in the trunk (boot).
• Look for people hanging around (loitering) near your car, both before you leave your car and when you return. While walking to your car look underneath it to make sure no one is hiding there. Before getting into your car, look in the back seat to make sure no one is hiding on the floor.
• When you go to your car, always have your car keys and whistle in your hand and ready so that you can enter your car quickly if necessary. After you get into your car lock the door.
• When going to your car late at night or other times and places where there are few people around, go in a group or request an escort from the KSU police.

SEXUAL HARRASSMENT Simply stated, sexual harassment is unwanted, unsolicited, or undesired attention of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment is illegal, and the Kennesaw State University policy prohibits any university employee or student from engaging in sexual harassment. If you are confronted, remember to object strongly, say "No" clearly and directly without smiling. Keep a record of any incident as carefully and detailed as possible. Report the behavior to the campus security or the judiciary coordinator.

VERBAL HARRASSMENT MAY INCLUDE: sexual innuendoes, comments and remarks about clothing, body or activities suggestive or insulting sounds or whistling humor or jokes about sex or gender sexual propositions, invitations, or other pressure for sex implied or overt threats PHYSICAL HARRASSMENT MAY INCLUDE: unwanted touching, such as patting, pinching, hugging or brushing against lingering near or blocking movement attempting to or actual kissing or fondling.

For more information, call the Office of International Student Retention Services at (770) 499-3313.

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