Safety Tips

Promoting safety in our community.
Stay safe when going out and about town by understanding some basic safety strategies and tips. Help each other when possible, and use these safety tips to help yourself.

General:

  • Stay alert and tuned in to your surroundings, wherever you are.
  • Don’t be taken by surprise. Be aware and be prepared.
  • Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a place or situation, leave right away and get help if necessary.
  • Get to know the neighborhoods and neighbors where you live and work.
  • Let others know what your plans are and what time to expect your return.

On Foot:

  • Choose busy streets and avoid going through vacant lots, alleys, or other deserted areas. At night, walk in well-lit areas whenever possible.
  • Try not to walk or jog alone. Take a friend or neighbor along for company.
  • Carry your purse close to your body and keep a firm grip on it.
  • Walk with others or make arrangements to leave work with others.
  • If you think someone is following you, switch directions or cross the street. If the person continues to follow you, move quickly toward an open store or restaurant or a lighted house. Don’t be afraid to yell for help.

In Parking Lots & Garages:

  • If you’re coming or going after dark, park in a well-lit area that will still be well-lit when you return.
  • Be especially alert when using enclosed parking garages. Don’t walk into an area if you feel uncomfortable.
  • When walking to your vehicle in a garage, walk with the flow of traffic. This allows you to see between vehicles as you approach, providing less opportunity for others to remain hidden.
  • Walk to your vehicle with your keys in hand. If you use a remote, unlock only the driver’s side door.
  • Check the interior of your vehicle before getting in by glancing in the windows.

Vehicles:

  • Always lock your car and take the keys, even if you’ll be gone only a short time.
  • Lock the doors while driving.
  • Control your keys. Never leave an identification tag on your key ring. If your keys are lost or stolen, it could help a thief locate your car and burglarize your home.
  • Never pick up hitchhikers or people you don't know well.
  • If you are followed, drive to the nearest open business for help, or go to a police or fire station.
  • When dropping someone off, wait until passengers have safely entered their residence or destination.

At Home:

  • Make sure all doors to the outside have good, sturdy locks. Use the locks you have. Always lock up your home when you go out, even if it’s only for a few minutes.
  • Make sure all porches and other possible entrances are well-lit.
  • Secure sliding glass doors with commercially available bars or locks, or put a wooden dowel or broomstick in the door track.
  • Don’t hide your house keys under the doormat or in a flowerpot. It’s much wiser to give an extra key to a trusted neighbor.
  • Clearly display your house number, so police and other emergency vehicles can find your home quickly.
  • Lock doors and windows when sleeping.
  • Engrave your driver’s license number or other personal identifying number onto valuables. Keep a record of the basic description of these items including their make, model, and serial numbers.
  • Keep emergency numbers where they are readily accessible.


These tips were compiled from the following sources. Visit each link to read more.
• University of Missouri Police Department
• City of Columbia CrimeWatch Newsletter
• Stephens College Security Department
• National Crime Prevention Council
• Baton Rouge Police Department