Safety Precautions

Avoiding Theft of Property/Identity

Every emergency situation is different. Only you can decide what course of action is appropriate. Remember, you are worth more than all the money or possessions you may have. Items may be replaced.
Call 911 in the event of a crime, fire or medical emergency, whether you are directly involved or simply a witness.
Be alert to potential theft. If you use an electronic device to listen to music or a Bluetooth device, keep the volume to a reasonable level so that you can be aware of oncoming vehicles and pedestrians.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; avoid openly counting or displaying money.
Record the serial numbers of your valuables. You should also keep copies of your credit card numbers or passport in case they are lost or stolen. Report any thefts immediately to the police.
Always have a small amount of money for emergencies (e.g., for transportation or phone calls).
Be aware of pickpocket situations in crowded areas. Men should carry wallets in front pants pocket; women should use bags, pocketbooks, etc. that zipper (avoid bags that snap or clasp shut). Do not leave valuables unattended.
If someone stops you, be friendly but keep a safe distance.
Put Campus Security’s number into your mobile phone contacts and assign an In Case of Emergency number (ICE) in your contacts as well. Emergency responders are trained to check your cellphone for an ICE entry. This is the person you want contacted in an emergency.
As a safety precaution, download apps to your smartphone that can track a device if it is stolen or misplaced. Apple offers the Find My iPhone app and for Android there is the Cerberus anti-theft app.
Do not lend your school ID or provide your login passwords to anyone; please keep your personal documents, driver’s license, etc., in a safe, secure location.
Log off of all campus computers when you are finished with them.

When Commuting to Campus

By Subway/Train

If possible, stay near the booth clerk or station area until your train arrives.
Stay a safe distance from tracks and be mindful of any gap between the platform and train.
When entering a subway or train, look around. If you feel uneasy, move.
Do not travel between cars while the train is in motion.
It’s safest to sit in the middle of the subway or train, away from the doorway.
Hide chains and jewelry; be careful while using valuable electronics.
Subway stops with lit green globes are open 24 hours a day, red globes means entry is closed. It is always a good idea to have a metro-card with a sufficient balance.
On subway platforms, look for a black-and-white striped board. That is where the car with the conductor will stop. You can also ride in the first car where the train operator is located.
At train stations, be careful when crossing train tracks, and cross only in designated areas when gates are lifted and lights are not flashing.
Listen carefully to any announcements regarding delays, emergencies, or service information.

By Bus

Always stop, look, and listen for buses before crossing the street; cross only at crosswalks and be sure to look both ways.
Don’t stand on the street or stand in front of a bus; the driver may not see you or be able to stop in time.
Remember, buses stop for customers standing at bus stops so you do not need to wave at the bus operator to have them stop.
As a bus approaches, be sure you are standing away from the street.
Never try to board or chase after a moving bus.
Listen carefully to any announcements regarding delays, emergencies, or service information.

By Car

Plan your route before you travel to campus and have an alternate route available.
Obey posted speed limits and crosswalks; mind pedestrians.
Do not drive after consuming any amount of alcohol, and exercise caution if you are taking prescription medications.
Do not take a ride with a driver who has been drinking.
Bear in mind that texting and non-hands-free cell phone use while driving is illegal and extremely dangerous. Texting while walking on campus sidewalks and cross walks can be dangerous as well.
Be alert to weather and road conditions that may affect safety and visibility.
Park only in areas designated for your use.
Keep items left in your car inside your locked, automobile trunk, out of view.

When Walking to, from, or on Campus

Travel in well-lit and populated areas and on designated pathways; avoid short cuts.
Travel in groups of two or more (the buddy system), especially at night.
Avoid texting while walking, especially when crossing streets and in busy pedestrian walkways.
Cross only at designated crosswalks—look both ways.
If you must travel alone late at night, call someone at your destination to let them know you are coming and when you expect to arrive. Also, have your route mapped out beforehand. Do not walk around as if you do not know where you are going.
Always carry extra money in the event you need to take a taxi or encounter an emergency.
If a car approaches and asks for directions, speak with the occupants at a safe distance no matter what.
New York Tech Security offers the Campus Alone program to escort and ensure personal safety.

Residence Hall/Housing Security Information

Keep doors and windows locked.
When arriving home, have your keys ready in your hand as you approach the door.
Do not allow or encourage unauthorized visitors in your residence hall, room, or suite.
Know the location of fire extinguishers and alarms as well as evacuation procedures.
Follow campus rules about candles, incense, smoking, etc.
Mark all equipment that has an identifier and keep a record of all serial numbers.
Use a cable locking device to secure computers, television sets, VCRs, etc.