Campus Safety Tips

• Don’t take chances with your safety when walking.
• Save the Eastern Police phone number in your phone (860)465-5310 and don’t hesitate to contact police when something is suspicious.
• Eastern Police Department will provide campus escorts anywhere on campus. Call the police for an escort, rather than walk alone.
• If there are emergencies, call 9-1-1.
• Sign-up for the Eastern Campus Alert System (instructions are on Eastern’s website).
• Don’t walk alone/Walk in groups (especially at night).
• Use public walkways (rather than wooded paths or shortcuts).
• Avoid walking to establishments and local areas that you are not familiar with.
• Be alert! Be aware of your surroundings.
• When possible, walk facing traffic. Walk confidently. Notice who passes you and who is behind you.
• Pay attention to people/cars around you and be aware of any suspicious situations/people.
• Be familiar with the location of the emergency call boxes/phones on campus.
• If something is suspicious, don’t hesitate to run to one to activate it.
• Display proper body language to show you are aware of things happening around you.
• Walk in well-lighted areas. Do not walk near bushes, alleys, etc.
• Wear clothing and shoes that give you freedom of movement and reflect light.
• Do not overburden yourself with bags or packages that might make running difficult when walking at night.
• If someone in a car stops you to ask for directions/information, always reply from a safe distance—never getting too close to the vehicle.
• If an auto driver persists in bothering you, cross the street and walk/run in the opposite direction.
• If you feel someone is following you, turn around and check. Proceed to the nearest lighted house or place of business.
• If you feel you are in danger, do not be afraid to yell and run.
• Carry as little cash as possible. Hold your purse tightly, close to your body.
• Keep your wallet in a front pocket, button hip pocket or inside coat pocket.
• Always hide your valuables; and do not leave personal information on display.
• Have your keys in hand, and be ready to enter the vehicle.
• Avoid hitchhiking.
• Park in well-lit areas.
• Avoid parking close to large vehicles; it decreases your ability to see the area around you.
• Keep your car doors locked--while you are in the vehicle, and when you leave your vehicle.
• Do not prop entrance doors to the residence halls.
• Don’t leave your residence hall room/suite door unlocked if you are leaving.