Safety professionals promote alertness as key to campus safety
By Christina Marder, Contributing Writer
Whether it be your first or fourth year of college, remembering that no one is exempt from safety threats is always important. Although the College has a number of resources in case of an emergency or concerning health issues, it is ultimately each individual’s responsibility to use these resources and to be safe.
Marcia Peot, a full-time police officer and Chief Safety officer at StreetSafe, is an advocate for student safety. StreetSafe is a website designed by PeopleGuard, a corporation whose mission is to help people lead safer, more satisfying lives. It provides a “Walk With Me Service,” which allows students to call a live, professionally-trained safety advisor to talk them through uncomfortable situations. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. Peot stated, “It can be easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of campus life and not be as vigilant about personal safety as you should be.” Students should take precautions to foster a safe environment. Peot has provided several helpful safety tips, included below, for students to use throughout the school year.
1. Let friends or roommates know where you are going, who you are with and when to expect you home.
2. Never leave outside doors propped open, and don’t let strangers into secured buildings or residence halls.
3. A stranger is still a stranger, even if they are a fellow student. Do not accept a ride or go off somewhere alone with a person you do not know.
4. Do not drink in excess. When you do so, your ability to make decisions becomes impaired, making you an easy target.
5. When approaching your car or residence, have your keys in your hand and check the area for suspicious individuals or activity.
6. When walking by yourself, keep expensive belongings such as laptops hidden. You will be less of a target.
7. The beaten path is the better path. Do not take short cuts and familiarize yourself with the area before heading out.
8. Consider taking extra measures to protect yourself. You can utilize applications like StreetSafe (at streetsafe.com), which is a personal mobile security service that combines the GPS technology in your smart phone with a 24-hour state-of-the-art call center. StreetSafe has two main features: a silent alarm and a unique Walk With Me™ service, which allows users to connect with a live, trained Safety Advisor who will stay on the phone with you until you reach your destination safely.
The College’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) is also an excellent place to turn in the event of an emergency. Director of Public Safety William Lafferty has provided additional tips for students to keep in mind.
Director of Public Safety William Lafferty
1. Be very careful using outside ATMs at night or in unfamiliar surroundings.
2. When walking, walk in the middle of the sidewalk and walk facing oncoming traffic.
3. Try not to overload yourself with packages or other items. Keep your hands as free as possible.
4. Do not wear headphones while walking or jogging.
5. Do not read while walking or standing on a sidewalk.
6. If you wear a purse with a shoulder strap, be prepared to let it go if snatched. Otherwise you could be knocked down and hurt.
7. If you carry a purse, carry it close to your body, preferably in front. Carry no more money or credit cards than you absolutely need.
8. Avoid being on the street alone if you are upset or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
To contact DPS, you can also call 717- 337-6912 or use the College’s online community concern reporting form at gettysburg.edu/about/offices/college_life/care/submit-a-concern/. Keep these tips in mind and stay safe!
