COLLEGE LIFE Study: Students Need To Learn To Be Safe (NAPSA)—College can be a learning experience in more ways 0% 10%20% 30% 40%50% 60%70% 80% 90% need to learn to adjust to new surroundings and people, sophomores often need to decide on majors and Avoiding dark, vacant areas or taking short cuts seniors may need to adapt to off- Using extra tools such as locks, alarm systems, pepperspray _ = Driving with doors locked = than one. Incoming freshmen career paths and juniors and campusliving. Law enforcementofficials say, however, that the most important subject for college students to pay attention to is safety. A recent study commissioned by Prudential found that the majority of students consider safety impor- tant, but many need to be taught how to be safe—especially at the beginning of college. The group offers these tips as part of its safety initiative called PASS—Prudential Addresses Student Security: Lock It e Always keep doors and win- dowslocked. Never prop open doors, even for a short time. Lock your car door. Makesure the entrance to your building is secure at night. Hide It Never leave valuables in plain sight. Hide identification, wallets, checkbooks, jewelry, cameras and other valuables. Don’t leave large sums of money in your room. Never leave your backpack or belongings unattended at the library or other public places. Do not write your address on your key chain. Watch It e Always be aware of your sur- roundings and the situations you are in. Do not let unauthorized individuals into your building. Travel in groups and never walk alone at night. e Always be in control, listen Taking advantage of escorts to walk with after dark Minimizing time spentalone _ Using campustransportation Attending personal safety seminars and training s _ = @ There are steps students can take that can help them have a safer college experience. to and respondto yourinstincts. Know whoto call in case of an emergency. Perhaps the most important thing students can do to protect themselves is take a vigilant approachto safety. “As much as people want to think it can’t happen to them, it can andit does,” says the family of one girl who was assaulted at knife point just 11 days after arriving at college. Experts say violence towards college students is often random and students should always be on the lookout for potentially dangerous situations—that can help keep students safe and makecollege a positive experience. For more information visit www.prudential.com.
