What's In This Guide
Why this Guide
Common Sense Safety Tips
Safety Resources
Campus Phones
Resource Phone Numbers
Why this Guide
Personal safety is an issue for all members of the
campus community - male and female. The purpose of this guide is not
to induce fear, but rather to help raise awareness and provide suggestions
for avoiding and preventing potentially dangerous situations.
Although many suggestions appear in this guide, the
most important tips are to use common sense, trust your instincts,
and be informed. If a situation feels wrong, it probably is. Do not
feel foolish or embarrassed asking for help if you feel you need it.
Any situation that causes you concern or fear is a legitimate reason
for seeking help.
Take care ... be aware
Common Sense Safety
Tips
At all times
- Project an image of calmness and confidence.
- Let somebody know your whereabouts or
plans if you are going to be out late or not going home.
- Use caution when communicating with strangers.
Avoid giving your name, address, or class schedule.
- Be aware of your surroundings. If a situation
feels dangerous, uncomfortable, or wrong in any way, avoid it or
remove yourself from it as soon as possible.
- If you feel that you are being followed
get to a well-lit area and call UW Police. When in a vehicle drive
to the nearest police station, fire station or open business - DO
NOT DRIVE HOME.
- Carry spare change with you and keep
important phone numbers close at hand.
- Do not carry large amounts of cash. Banking
machines are located on campus.
- If you have to stay late on campus find
a study partner/buddy. If you are alone, make sure that you know
where the nearest telephone is located and avoid isolated areas.
If none of these steps are possible, tell UW Police where you are
and they will check on you periodically.
- Be alert in washrooms.. Check for strangers
while you are still near the door. Whenever possible, ask a friend
to accompany you.
- Plan ahead how you will get home. Do
not leave in the company of people with whom you do not feel completely
comfortable. When out, keep any eye on your drink at all times.
- If you observe a suspicious person, unusual
or possible unlawful behaviour notify UW Police Services. You may
remain anonymous.
Walking
- Follow a major road at night, or a well-lit
path. Shortcuts may save time, but tend to be risky.
- Walk at a steady pace and with confidence
near the curbs. Avoid dark entrances and shrubs.
- Do not walk home alone at night - make
arrangements with a friend to meet and walk home together, call for
a ride, or use one of the resources offered by the University.
Transportation
- Keep your vehicle in good working condition
to avoid a breakdown on the road.
- Always lock your vehicle after entering
and leaving. Check the interior of your vehicle, including the back
seat, before getting in.
- Choose a safe path to your vehicle and
avoid poorly lit or isolated areas. Have
your keys in hand and be ready to quickly unlock the vehicle door.
- Carry a sign that reads SEND HELP or
PLEASE CALL POLICE, in your vehicle - available at UW Police or any
local police station.
- If you feel that you are in a potentially
dangerous situation, honk your horn, flash your lights, or any other
attention-getting action.
- If a stranger offers help, ask them to
contact the police for you. Do not accept any rides.
- On public transport - sit near the driver,
do not fall asleep. Ask the driver to stop the bus close to your
destination. Have someone meet you at your stop if traveling at night.
Elevators
- If you feel uncomfortable about the person(s)
occupying an elevator when the doors open, do not get in. Wait until
the next elevator arrives.
- When you enter, stand next to the floor
buttons. If you do encounter difficulties with an occupant, push
as many of the floor buttons as you can, or push the alarm bell.
- Campus elevators have auto dial phones
directly connected to Plant Operations for 24 hour assistance. Take
phone off hook, wait for answer, shout for help. UW Police Services
will be notified if needed.
Where you live
- Lock all doors and windows whenever possible
and keep entrances well lit.
- Do not put your full name on your mailbox.
- Know which neighbours you can go to in
an emergency.
- Do not prop open doors with cans, bikes,
etc. This creates an easy access for unwanted visitors.
- Ask people to identify themselves
before unlocking a door for them.
Safety Resources
UW
POLICE has officers on duty 24 hours a day with the
same law enforcement powers as regional police. Persons working
or studying after hours on campus may contact UW Police for advice
on appropriate precautions.
SHUTTLE SERVICE - A service available to students, faculty and staff for pick up at designated stops on campus to drive to on and off campus destinations. Call 519-888-4949 / ext. 84949.
CAMPUS
RECREATION offers a self-defense course for both men and women
each term at the PAC. Contact Campus Recreation for more information.
COUNSELLING
SERVICES provides counselling in many areas, including sexual
harassment and crisis intervention.
HEALTH
SERVICES has doctors, nurses, and counsellors available Monday
to Friday. Medical care and wellness information includes education
about rape and violence prevention.
LIBRARY PATROL consists of students wearing
security vests who patrol the floors of the Dana Porter Library to
keep all floors safe for students.
SAFETY
OFFICE is an environmental health and safety resource for students,
faculty, and staff.
TURNKEY
DESK in the Student Life Centre is staffed 24 hours a day, and
has information on all UW services.
Campus Phones
For Help or Emergency Use
UW Police: 519-888-4911 or x22222
Ambulance: 911
Help Line: 'Emergency' Phone Buttons
Fire: Fire alarm pull stations
These calls arel immediately directed to
UW Police. They pinpoint the location and ensure help without further
communication. Learn the location of phones along your routes and in
your work/study areas.
When should I use the phones?
Use the phones anytime you feel concern
or fear.
If you:
- Need SHUTTLE SERVICE
- See an injury or collision
- Are being followed, threatened
or attacked
- See or hear anything suspicious
Be specific - report the nature of the help
needed or emergency. If possible, remain on the line.
Learn the location of phones along your routes and in you study/work area.
Using the Phones
- Pay Phones - remove receiver and dial
519-888-4911 or x22222 or 911 or push UW Police button (no money needed)
- Help Line "Emergency" - push
button and UW Police will hear any activity around the phone.
- University Extension Phones - remove
receiver and dial 519-888-4911 or x22222.
Resource Phone
Numbers
On Campus
Off Campus
- K-W Sexual Assault Support Centre (24hrs):
519-741-8633
- Waterloo
Region Sexual Assault Treatment Centre: 519-749-6994
- Distress Line: 519-745-1166
- Mobile Crisis Team 24/7: 519-744-1813 or 1-866-366-4566
- Regional Police - Emergency 911 - Non Emergency 519-653-7700
