Personal Safety

Easy tips to protect you and your personal property from theft.

Protect Yourself

• Keep your apartment/house door(s) locked! Leaving doors open for even one minute is an invitation to robbery or attack.
• Always lock your room or office if you are alone after hours.
• Do not leave your purse in/on an unlocked desk or drawer.
• Do not leave belongings unattended in libraries, hallways, locker rooms or classrooms.
• Keep your keys safe! Do not leave keys lying around in your room, office or apartment.
• At night, have your keys ready before you get to your door or car.
• Identify all items of value with your name and a special identifying mark.
• Require authorization and identification from any service personnel before letting them into your room, office or apartment. Don't leave backpacks unattended at any time.

Book and Personal Item Theft

• Don't leave books and personal items out on tables unattended for any length of time especially in libraries, cafeterias or lounge areas.
• Don't leave books or any items in view within your vehicle. Place them in the trunk or glove box.
• Mark your textbooks with something that distinguishes them as uniquely yours!
• Contact Securitas, Inc. Campus Security at 515-964-6500 and the local police immediately in the event of theft!

Safety information to help when you are riding your bike, driving your car, walking or jogging.

If you ride a bicycle

• Register your bicycle.
• Keep a record of the bike's description, serial number, and registration number.
• Engrave the bike with an easily traceable identification number (such as a driver's license).
• Park in a spot with many people around.
• Lock your bicycle to a bike rack.
• Never leave a bike unlocked. When possible, keep it indoors. If it is stolen, notify Securitas Inc. Campus Security or local police immediately.

If you drive a car

• Drive with doors locked and windows rolled up.
• Lock doors and trunk when parking. Take your keys.
• Do not leave valuables in view. Store valuables in a locked trunk or take them with you.
• Park in lighted areas.
• Check the back seat before getting into a car.

When you are walking or jogging

• Do not walk alone. Get a friend to go with you - especially at night. Carry a whistle.
• Use public walkways. Walk on lighted paths and in lighted parking lots. Avoid shortcuts and dark or isolated spots.
• Do not overload yourself with bundles.
• Do not hitchhike.

What to do if you are followed by someone on foot or in a car. What to do if you are held up or attacked, or if you witness a violation of the law.

If you're followed by someone on foot

• Cross the street, change direction, and vary your pace. If the person persists, go to a lighted store or home, anywhere there are people, and call the police.
• Keep looking back so the person knows you cannot be surprised.

If you are followed by someone in a car

• Turn around and walk the other way or go up a one-way street the wrong way.
• If the person persists, record the license number and call the police.

If you are held up

• Do not resist - hand over your wallet or purse quickly and quietly. No amount of money is worth taking chances with your life.
• Scream and run away. If people are nearby, this may protect you.
• Do not take chances - a robber may be armed.
• Report the incident to the police immediately. Try to get a description that includes approximate age, height, weight, detail on hair, clothing, jewelry, scars, tattoos, anything noticeable.

If you're attacked…

• Be realistic about your ability to protect yourself. An immediate reaction of yelling, hitting, or biting may give you a chance to escape, but it may also lead to further harm.
• If your life is in danger, passive resistance (vomiting, urinating, telling the attacker you're diseased) may be your best defense.
• Remember: Every emergency situation is different. Only you can decide which course of action is appropriate.

Always think security…

If you witness any violation of the law, notify campus security:

• Describe person involved - name, age, sex, height, weight, and clothing distinguishing characteristics.
• Property involved, with as complete a description as possible.
• Vehicles involved - license plate, year, model, color, markings (any dents, etc.).
• If you are a victim of a crime, always press charges.

How to take positive actions to keep your vehicle safe from being stolen and keep personal belongings inside your car safe.

Take positive action…

• Lock your car and pocket the key.
• Shut the windows tightly whenever you park, even a tiny gap allows a thief to insert a wire to pry up the lock button.
• Lock all doors and trunk or hatch back every time you leave your car. Lock garage doors also, if you have one.
• Never leave your car running unattended, even for a minute!
• Do not conceal a spare key inside or outside the car.
• Park in a well lit area where there are plenty of passersby, nearby stores, restaurants, etc.
• Turn wheels sharply left or right to make it harder for a thief to tow your vehicle.
• Do not advertise your home address by leaving packages, letters, etc. with your name and address visible in the car. It is an invitation to home burglary.

Information about how the college helps to provide an environment free of drugs and other illegal substances.

BS5551 - Compliance with Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Act