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General safety tips

  • Never risk personal injury to protect property or personal belongings.
  • Never admit you are alone, either in person or on the phone; mention that someone else is present.
  • Wait in well-lit areas for public transit and sit near the driver.
  • Be alert to others watching you and keep your distance.
  • Refuse to give your name, address or phone number to strangers, unless for legitimate purposes.
  • Trust your instinct.
  • If you feel at risk, act.
  • If an assault occurs

    If an assault occurs on campus:

    • Call for assistance as soon as possible
      • 905.721.3211 (mobile phone)
      • Ext. 2400 (Dial 2400 on any campus phone)
    • Record as many identification indicators and details about the suspect as soon as possible.
  • If you are being followed

    If you think you're being followed on campus you need to:

    • Look behind you.
    • Go to the nearest well-lit, populated area.
    • Vary your speed and change direction.
    • Attract attention.
    • Call 911.
      • 905.721.3211 (mobile phone)
      • Ext. 2400 (Dial 2400 on any campus phone)
    • Report suspicious people or incidents to Campus Security at:
  • Safety indoors
    • Be aware of your surroundings, particularly the general campus layout, exits, rooms and offices.
    • Be alert in confined spaces such as washrooms and stairwells.
    • Before you leave an area, check for strangers.
    • Have a friend join you if you plan to stay late.
    • Do not use headsets which distract you from paying attention to your surroundings.
    • Use exits closest to your mode of transportation.
    • Do not leave a purse, computer or other possessions out of your site, even for a brief time, mark personal items with your initials or student number.
    • Do not give your locker combination to others, and always spin your lock past the last number.
  • Safety in public places
    • Avoid walking alone and using shortcuts through unfamiliar, deserted areas.
    • Look confident and be aware of your surroundings when walking alone.
    • Travel in well-lit areas and away from bushes, doorways and buildings.
    • If you must stay late, move your car closer to a building and to a well-lit area.
    • Have your keys ready so you can enter your car or residence quickly.
    • Check in and under your vehicle before entering.
    • Lock your car as soon as you enter or leave it.
    • Keep windows and sunroof closed.
  • Traffic safety

    Be alert, obey traffic signs:

    • Use crosswalks or traffic lights to cross the street. Never step off the curb, assuming a vehicle will stop for you.
    • Be alert at the intersections.
    • Be aware of accessible pedestrian signals and use them accordingly.
    • If you are using headphones, keep the volume low and only use them in one ear so you can hear sounds and signals around you.
    • Be aware of ongoing construction by checking the Service Disruptions webpage.
  • Running safety
    • Run with a friend or in a group.
    • If you run alone, let someone know the time and route of your run.
    • Plan your route carefully, use familiar routes and avoid poorly lit or deserted areas.
    • Familiarize yourself with emergency phones, populated areas and businesses along your route.
    • Always carry ID, your medic alert ID (if applicable) and emergency cab or bus fare.
  • Personal safety
    • Be responsible and use common sense.
    • Know how and where to get help.
    • If you are on campus late, request an escort to your vehicle or on-campus residence through our Campus Walk program.
    • Travel with crowds or with an individual you know.
    • Report strange incidents or suspicious behaviour. For example, if someone is loitering near your vehicle, leave immediately and call Campus Security.
    • Trust your instinct.