In General
- Be alert at all times, day or night.
- Trust your instincts.
- Travel with a friend.
- Yell "Fire" to attract atention.
- Familiarize yourself with the streets and neighborhoods you will be passing through.
- Plan your travel routes in advance.
- Have an alternate way to get home. Always have enough money for cab fare home or to make a phone call. Carry an extra subway token or your metro card for emergencies.
- Call 911 or NYU Public Safety at 212-998-2222 for emergencies.
On the Street
- Walk on curbside of the sidewalk, away from doorways and alleys.
- Asking for directions is one-way attackers start up a conversation. Keep a good distance from the person asking for information. Keep your answers brief. You can also choose not to respond.
- Keep your wallet or valuables in a secure place.
- Separate your identification from your keys.
- Walk assertively-keep your head up and be aware of who is around you.
- If you think you are being followed, cross the street or go into a store, restaurant or other public buildings.
On the Subway
- If you are uncomfortable, trust your instincts. You can change cars or get off and wait for the next train.
- Red and green lights on station entrances indicate whether the station is closed or open.
- During non-rush hours, wait for trains in the "off-hours waiting areas".
- Stand away from the edge of the platform.
- Remain alert on the trains and avoid cars that are significantly less crowded.
In an Elevator
- Stand near the buttons. If there is trouble, press the alarm and any floor buttons you can get to. Don't press the 'STOP' button.
- Be careful of elevators going to or coming from the basement.
At Home
- Secure all locks, even if you are at home or if you only leave for a few minutes.
- Always have your keys ready when you are approaching the door.
- Leave a light on when you leave your home.
- Use a peephole or intercom, if you have one. Use window locks.
- If someone comes to your door and says it is an emergency and they need to use your phone, tell the person to wait outside while you make the call for help.
- If your keys are stolen, change your locks immediately.
- Think about and prepare for how you would escape from your apartment if necessary.
- Record serial number, model brand name, and description of all valuables for reference, in the event that they are stolen.
- Keep a phone near your bed.
- Know which of your neighbors you can call in case of an emergency.
In University Residence Halls
- Double lock your door when leaving your room. Always lock your door when sleeping.
- If you see a stranger or suspicious person in the hall, report the person to the Front Desk attendant.
- Lock money, wallets, and jewelry in your desk or dresser.
- Avoid isolated areas.
- Keep roommates informed of your whereabouts and travel routes.
On the Internet
- Don't tell your password to anyone.
- Don't open e-mail or attachments from people you don't know.
- Use one screen name for friends you really know and a different screen name when you're in chat rooms or talking with someone you don't know.
- Choose a screen name that does not reveal information such as your gender or name.
- Meeting someone in person whom you only know from on-line can be risky. If you do decide to do so, meet the person in a public place, such as a restaurant or coffee shop. Do not go alone. Bring at least one friend with you and tell at least one other friend where you are going and when you expect to return.
- Do not share your real name, address, telephone number, daily schedule or other personal information with someone you know only from on-line.