| Washington University School of Medicine |
Environmental Health & Safety |
Safety Topic of the
Month: August 2000
Campus Safety
For more information and the WUSM campus Daily
Crime Log see the Protective
Services webpage.
Laptop Security
WUSM Security Tips
Protective Services offers these prevention tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of
crime while on campus.
Residence Hall
 | Lock all doors, even if you are leaving only for a short time. |
| Make certain to lock your door before you go to sleep. |
| Never prop open any locking residence hall door. |
| Avoid leaving notes on your door saying that you are out. |
| If you use an answering machine do not provide your name or phone number in the outgoing
message. |
Campus Offices and Labs
| Be sure doors are locked whenever you leave an unattended office or lab. |
| Never leave door propped open or leave keys in an unlocked cabinet or desk drawer. |
| It is not advisable to tape extra keys under desk drawers or in file cabinets. |
| When leaving your office or lab for the day, make sure that all windows are closed and
locked, all valuables and confidential materials are locked up and all desks, files and
doors are locked. |
Credit/Debit Cards and Personal Checks
| Keep credit/debit cards, personal checks and cash in a safe place. |
| Shop with credit cards or checks when possible. They are less likely to be stolen than
cash. |
| Keep a record of all credit /debit card account numbers and telephone numbers associated
with these accounts. |
| Do not keep Personal Identification Numbers (PIN) in any location that may be associated
with the cards they activate. |
| Do not give account numbers over the telephone or by mail unless certain of the
company's service and credibility. |
| Always keep credit/debit card receipts and ask for the carbons. |
Report the loss of theft of credit/debit cards immediately to the issuing authority.
Harassing or Obscene Telephone Calls
| Hang up if no one answers after your second "Hello." |
| Hang up immediately after the first obscenity is uttered. |
| Don't include your name or telephone number in the outgoing message on your answering
machine. |
| Never give your name, address or personal information over the phone. |
| If an obscene or harassing message is left on your answering machine, retain the tape
for later use by law enforcement. |
| Notify the Telephone Company, local law enforcement agency and Protective Services if
the call is received on campus. |
Elevators
| When waiting for an elevator, stand away from the door to avoid being pushed inside by
someone near, but unseen. |
| Do not get on an elevator occupied by a person or persons who make you feel uneasy. If
you begin to feel uncomfortable, get off at the next floor. |
| Always stand near the control panel and the emergency phone. |
| If you are accosted in an elevator hit the alarm button and as many floor buttons as
possible so the elevator will stop and the doors will open. |
Driving/Parking Lots and Garages
| Have your key ready when you approach your vehicle. |
| Check before you get in to make sure no one is hiding beneath or inside the vehicle. |
| Drive on well traveled streets and never pick up hitchhikers. |
| Keep your car in gear while stopped, with all the windows up and doors locked. |
| When you park, use a well lighted designated parking area. |
| If you carry valuables in your car, keep them out of sight in the trunk. |
| It is a good idea to keep change in a sealed envelope, with emergency numbers written on
the outside, in the event that an emergency phone call is necessary. Place the envelope in
the glove compartment of your car. |
| Better yet, purchase a cellular phone and keep it with you. If you are deliberately
forced to stop your vehicle, keep the doors locked, turn on the lights and sound the horn.
Use the cellular phone to call for help. |
Walking/In-Line Skating/Riding a Bike
| Avoid poorly lit or remote areas, especially after dark. |
| If you must travel after dark, do so with another person or group. |
| When walking on campus, use the Protective Services escort service. |
| To request a walking escort, dial 362-HELP (4357) |
| When walking give the appearance of confidence and purpose. Do not loiter |
| Take notice of others in the immediate area and persons approaching. |
Peeping Toms/Intruders
Because the open environment at the School of Medicine permits the use of some
facilities by the general public, precautions should be taken in accessible areas.
| If you are accosted, it is usually best not to yell or try to detain the offender. He or
she may panic and react in an unpredictable manner. |
| If the offender runs away, do not pursue him or her. Make note of the direction in which
he or she goes and if he or she enters a car or another room or building. |
| Try to get a good description of the person. |
| Notify Protective Services by dialing 362-HELP (4357) |
Sexual Assault/Date Rape
Even though no rape has ever been reported on the medical school campus, anyone can be
the victim of sexual assault or rape regardless of age, sex, race, status or type of
dress. So...
| Be alert and aware when dating. |
| Trust your instincts or "gut feelings." |
| Do not send mixed messages; be clear. Say "no" when you mean no. |
| Be careful when you invite someone in. |
If You Live Alone Off Campus
| Keep your doors and windows closed and locked. |
| Contact your local police department for recommendations regarding lock purchase and
replacement. |
| Always identify visitors before letting them in. |
| Request that service people show identification before you open the door. |
| Use a timer to turn on lights and a radio on and off if you will arrive home late or be
away for a period of time. |
| Keep police and emergency numbers near your telephone. |
| Do not lend your keys to service people or anyone you do not know and trust. |
| If a stranger asks to use your telephone, do not open the door, offer to call for them. |
| Do not give credit card numbers to any stranger or to anyone over the phone unless you
are certain to whom you are speaking. |
| Report any unusual or suspicious activity near your home to the local police. |
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