Campus Alert & Tips For Being Safe

Posted on December 4th, 2008 in Announcements

To our valued campus community members,

Last night a female student from SCCC was approached and touched by an unknown suspect while she walked thru the church parking lot located on the corner of Olive and Harvard. When she started to scream the suspect let her go and fled the scene without further incident, the student came back to campus and reported the incident to our security department as well as the Seattle Police Department.

As a member of this campus community and the security office that serves it, I am greatly concerned about everyone’s safety and well being during their time here at SCCC. Our office takes public safety very seriously; we are dedicated to providing each and every one of you a safe work and learning environment.

I would like to take a few moments and remind everyone to please be aware of the night and the potential dangers that can be associated with it as you leave work or classes to head home for the evening.

Here are a few tips for being safe as you leave the campus buildings and head into the night:

Be aware of your surroundings, never become comfortable or complacent, and always be on the alert.
Try to avoid walking alone, move in groups of two or more.
Have your cell phone handy and emergency numbers on speed dial.
Let family and friends know what routes you use to get home, also let them know what mode of transportation you normally use.
Walk with confidence; do not present your self as the victim.
Think about carrying a whistle, it’s loud and most people associate the sound with a need for help.
Stay in well lit areas and avoid short cuts, especially if they are dim or secluded.
If you are thinking of carrying pepper spray please realize that it can be taken from you and used against you as well, please take a certified course that offers correct instruction for the use of pepper spray.
Use common sense and gut feelings, if you think something is wrong act on it.
If you decide to run, run fast and scream loud.
Don’t accessorize, leave all attractive valuables at home, don’t make yourself a target.

If you are walking to your car, keep in mind these few simple tips to help you avoid being a victim:

Call security and ask for an escort to your vehicle, especially if it’s dark out.
Have a good working vehicle.
Check the backseat before getting into your vehicle.
Don’t stop to remove a flier from your windshield.
Keep all car doors locked after getting in.
Park in well lit areas of the garage or under a street light if possible; try to park in high traffic areas.

I wish all of you a safe and joyous holiday season, please remember that we are all in this together, if there is anything we can do as a safety and security team to help assist you in anyway possible please let me know.

“For our community, by our community”

Thank you,

Robert Huss
Interim Safety and Security Director