Campus Safety Tips during the coronavirus crisis

Western’s campus may be a lot quieter these days as classes have moved online, but University Police are still on campus and working to keep our community safe. Here are some tips for staying safe when you’re out and about that are helpful any time of year:

• Report safety hazards, unsafe lighting, and defective equipment to Public Safety.
• Park in an area that will be well-lit after dark. Call 360-650-3555 for a safety escort to walk you to your car, residence hall or campus building at night.
• Leave nothing visible in your car, even if it is of no value.
• Do not leave wallets, purses, backpacks and other valuables unattended on campus, even inside your office.
• Keep your doors locked at home, in the residence hall and in your car.
• At home, develop a relationship with neighbors that will encourage regularly checking on one another, even if it’s currently in a socially distant way.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Know where you are. Know where you are going and let people know where you are going when you’re headed out.
• Trust your instincts - if you feel uncomfortable in a situation or place, LEAVE!
• Plan your walking trips in advance and choose a safe, well-lit route.
• If you’re visiting buildings or offices on campus, please do not prop open building doors that would otherwise be locked.