How to Keep Safe

Image and essay by Aida Ejroushi

Do you know how to be safe in College Station? Safety and security are important issues for all new students. New coming students do not know enough information about rules, regulations, and police departments, which are available to keep their safety and security. Also, they have many questions to ask about the procedures that they should follow to keep themselves away from making mistakes or violate the law. For your safety, it is required from you to be cooperative with the police and call the police department immediately in case of observing any suspicious persons or actions.

The first step to keep safe is to take your cell phone and your ID with you wherever you go. Besides its importance to introduce yourself to others, some important phone numbers are written on the back of your ID. These numbers are for help and emergency. In case of accident injuries, crime in progress, or fire, you can call 9-911 if you are on campus, and 911 if you are off campus. In case of non-emergency, it is better for you to call the university police at 845-2345. There are also some other phone numbers on the back of your ID card, such as corps escorts, student health services, student counseling helpline, car-pool, and help desk central. If you find yourself in any sort of trouble, you can use one of the above mentioned numbers according to your situation. Furthermore, there is the code maroon emergency notification system that has many ways to reach campus members in an emergency, and usually uses text messages, Emails, television, and many other techniques to alert people about risks.

The second step is to follow the rules in all your actions and attitudes, and avoid being against the law. For example, if you want to drive a car, it is permitted for you to use your international driver’s license only for one year, but then you have to get American driver’s license. On the other hand, if you are using your bicycle to move around the university, you need to use the bicycles’ parking which is scattered all over the campus and near each building. That also requires you to provide your bicycle with one or two lockers to keep it away from being easily stolen by someone. It is also recommended for you in this case to get a registration number for your bicycle from the police department on campus. The sticker of the number on your bicycle helps to keep your bicycle away from being stolen by robbers because they know well that they will be easily caught by the police men. Moreover, you should protect your home, car, and personal things, as well as being aware of your surroundings. Do not be alone in some empty and remote places. Try to join the nearest group of people if you feel that someone is following you and trust your instincts. Lock your doors, check your personal property, stay alert, and pay close attention.

In conclusion, safety and security can be achieved by the cooperation between people and police in order to live in a peaceful and secured environment. I wish you a comfortable stay and good luck.