Residence Hall Safety

• Residence halls can be only as safe a place as the residents make them. Take your share of the responsibility to make your living space a safe place for yourself and others.
• R.A.s and residence staff are there to help you - contact them when you need them.
• Develop a communication system with a roommate or friend. This can include exchanging information about your class schedules, leaving notes when you must be away unexpectedly, and exchanging emergency phone numbers.
• Never post notes for your roommate on the outside of your door.
• Always keep entrance doors to the building locked. If you find a door propped open, close it.
• If you see a stranger in your residence hall, remember that you have the right to question him/her. Asking, "May I help you?" lets him/her know that you've noted his/her presence. This alone is likely to discourage criminal activity.
• Always lock your room, even if you are only leaving for a few moments.

Common Street Sense

• DO NOT drink and drive.
• Don't hitchhike or pick up hitchhikers.
• Walk with a group whenever possible.
• Walk to your car with your key ready.
• Always follow well-lighted paths. Stay out of shadows.
• Close your curtains or blinds at night and when changing clothes.
• If you must cross campus at night, call the campus escort service.
• Tell a friend or roommate where you are going and when you expect to return. Do not post this information on the outside of your door.
• Be wary of isolated spots - apartment laundry rooms, parking garages, and parking lots after business hours. Walk with a friend, co-worker, or security officer, particularly at night.
• If you are followed by another car, drive to a police or fire station, hospital emergency entrance, or any open business. Do not go home or to a friend's house.
• If your car breaks down far away from help, stay in your car with your doors locked and windows closed. Ask people who stop to call the local police, a friend or family member for you, but do not get in their car or allow them in your car.
• If you see suspicious activity or persons, call Police/Security immediately at 327-6231.

Common Street Sense Quiz

1. Do you jog by yourself early in the morning or late at night?
2. Do you carry all your possessions - cash, keys, credit cards, and checkbook in your backpack everywhere you go, and then leave it lying around?
3. When you work or study late at night, do you just walk home when you're ready to leave?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, in order to prevent crime, you need to change a few habits. See "Street Sense 101" below to learn the practical advice that could keep you from becoming a victim!

Street Sense 101
Street Sense 101 - Practical Advice

• Trust your instincts. If something or someone makes you uneasy, get out or get away.
• Walk, jog or bike with friends whenever possible.
• Don't fumble for your key - have it in your hand before you reach your home or car.
• Stick to lighted and well-traveled areas. Don't take shortcuts through wooded areas or alleys.
• Out late studying? Call a friend or the campus escort service when you're ready to leave.
• Watch your purse, backpack, or briefcase. Don't take a break and leave them behind.
• Take your belongings with you on your next study break. Don't leave them lying somewhere.
• Don't stay out late at night by yourself. If you're out late studying, call escort for a ride home.

Fire Safety

ALWAYS evacuate for fire alarms because you never know when it may be a REAL FIRE! False Fire Alarms are a violation of Ohio Law and Wittenberg policy. If you have any information regarding a false alarm please contact Security at 327-6231. During fire alarms, authorized Wittenberg staff members and members of the Springfield Fire Department may search residence halls and rooms. If you are found in a residence hall building that has been evacuated, you may be subject to disciplinary action. In addition, any items found during searches that violate residence hall safety regulations found during searches may be confiscated and residents subject to fines. For more information, visit the online version of the Student Handbook

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For Fire Safety, please remember:

1. Be Prepared.
   
   • Know fire evacuation routes.
   • Know exterior designated meeting location.
   • Know the number of rooms to your right and left of the emergency exits.
2. In the event of a fire, check the top of the door for heat with the back of your hand.
   
   • If it is not hot, open the door slowly.
     
     • If there is smoke, stay low on your way to the exit.
     • Do not re-enter the building until authorized to do so by the Fire Department.
   • If your door is hot, do not open it!
     
     • Place wet towels under the door.
     • Call 911 and give the exact location of your building, floor and room number.
     • Wave white towel from window to signal attention.
     • If light smoke exists in your room, open window and breathe from the bottom area.
     • Do not break glass - Fire and smoke from below may enter.

False Fire Alarm Policy:
Ohio law imposes the following penalties for false alarms made by persons 18 years of age or over: Section 2917.32A-Whoever violates this section shall be charged by the Springfield City Fire Marshall with a misdemeanor of the first degree carrying a penalty of imprisonment up to six months and a maximum fine of $1,000 for the first offense. A violation of inducing panic: Section 2917.31 may also be imposed, which would be an additional first-degree misdemeanor charge.

The setting off of a false fire alarm jeopardizes the safety and welfare of students and other members of Wittenberg University as well as members of the Springfield community. Therefore, any student found to be in violation of this policy is subject to suspension from Wittenberg University. (excerpt from the Student Handbook)

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