In many ways, our campus seems like a perfect environment without dangers. But it still requires forethought about protecting yourself and your personal belongings. Crime occurs everywhere in the world, even on campus.

You now have the responsibility of locking your doors and looking after your belongings more than in the past. Below are the top safety tips for living on campus:

Personal Safety Tips

Lock your room, flat, suite, and apartment door.

Most theft on campus occurs in unlocked rooms. Locking your door is the best way to decrease theft and enhance safety.

Do not open your door to someone you do not know and do not lend your key or Phoenix card to anyone.

Lending your Phoenix card to others is a violation of university policy. Report lost or stolen keys/cards to Residence Life/Campus Safety and Police immediately.

Don't let people you don't know into your building.

Letting unescorted visitors into the building eradicates the effects of all safety measures.

Plan for your safety.

Make a plan for how you will remain safe and how you will get home before you go out. Tell people your plans.

Identify your valuables using Operation ID and purchase renter's insurance.

Campus Safety and Police have engravers available for student use. Record serial numbers and keep your copy in a safe place.

Review our renter’s insurance information website, talk to your insurance agent and consider some form of renter’s insurance.

Secure your car and bike. Park your car in well-lit areas and keep it locked.

Lock all valuables in your trunk. If you have expensive stereo equipment, etc., consider buying an alarm system.

Register your bike with Campus Safety and Police. They will issue a registration sticker to affix to your bicycle to deter theft and aid in recovery if it is stolen. Campus Safety and Police recommends a U-Style lock. A registered and properly locked bicycle is much less likely to be stolen.

Do NOT walk alone at night.

Make arrangements to walk in groups and, whenever possible, use the University Shuttle. Hours of operation for the University Shuttle may be obtained by calling 336-278-5555, as well as information about escorts. If you must travel alone at night, stay on well-lit paths and sidewalks.

Call Campus Safety and Police at 336.278.5555 in case of emergency, if you observe suspicious activity, or if you wish to report criminal activity.

For police, fire or medical emergencies, contact Campus Safety and Police by calling 911 from any phone. You may also use any of the emergency call boxes throughout campus to contact Campus Safety and Police.

BE ALERT.

Your safety depends on your attitude and actions. Use common sense.

Report

Report all security-related maintenance issues (locks, doors, windows, lighting) to your area office (business hours) or Campus Safety and Police (after business hours).

Emergency Preparedness – Weather

Weather events can be unpredictable. It is important to review emergency processes and procedures prior to an emergency event. For your safety, please review the following measures:

1. Review the steps and recommendations on the university Emergency Preparedness website.

2. Sign-up for the emergency E-Alert Notification System and verify your settings to ensure you are receiving messages.

3. Review the Campus Evacuation Sites, so you know where to go to find shelter when you are in class or in your on-campus living environment.

Tornadoes

If you are outside, immediately move indoors.
Move to an interior hallway or the lowest level of the building.
Take shelter under a desk or sturdy table.
Avoid upper floors, glassed areas and windows.

Severe thunderstorms

Powerful thunderstorms can bring hail, lightning and damaging winds.
Take shelter in the lowest level of a building.

Ice Storms, freezing rain and snow

Remain inside as much as possible.
Stay clear of icy trees, rooftops and power lines.
Do not walk near ice and snow removal equipment.
Watch for slick spots as you walk.

Hurricanes

The National Hurricane Center website offers around-the-clock information on hurricanes, tropical storms and similar weather situations. The website also provides extensive information regarding hurricane preparedness, hazards and much more.

Fire Safety

Elon University is committed to your safety. With so many students living together in the residence halls and apartments, everyone plays an important role in fire safety and prevention.

  • Tips and Tools
  • Always know the evacuation paths from your room in the event that one is blocked.
  • A fire evacuation plan has been placed on or near the inside of your room/apartment door. Learn the plan and do not remove or cover the evacuation plan.
  • Smoking in all Elon University buildings is prohibited.
  • If you smell smoke or see fire in your building, pull the closest fire alarm and immediately evacuate the building; do not attempt to fight the fire.

If the fire alarm sounds in your building, do the following:

  • immediately exit the building if you can quickly and safely do so
  • grab your room key and/or ID card
  • feel your room door from top to bottom before opening it; if the door is cool, leave immediately; if the door is hot, stay in your room, dial 911, keep calm and wait for assistance assuming your door is cool and smoke has not filled the hallway, proceed to the nearest exit and immediately leave the building; do not attempt to put out the fire!
    once outside, move away from the building and wait for further instructions
  • never ignore a fire alarm;
  • failure to vacate a building during a fire alarm is a violation
  • do not use the building elevator

Fire Hazards

For a list of items/behaviors that are fire hazards in the residence halls and apartments and are therefore prohibited, please review our Residential Policies and yearly Housing Agreement. For more information on fire safety visit the Campus Safety website.

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