By Jamiyla Bolton
jbolton@email.unc.edu
Usually when we come to college
we are so exited about everything
going on that we aren't concerned
about safety issues. But perhaps we
should start, considering the recent
attacks at local campuses and all
the stories we've heard of
"B.O.L.O."
Many of us do not utilize the
resources on this campus that are
there to keep us safe, nor do we
think about actions that will put us
in compromising situations.
The simplest things can help us
prevent attacks. For example, don't
go outside alone after dark. Guys,
this includes you, because unless
you're Julius Peppers or Jonas
Seawright, you will get snatched
up just as easily as anyone else will.
Many of us probably never notice
those blue light stands that we pass
going back and forth everyday; but
in case of an emergency, we might
need them. They are call boxes that
immediately alert the police/fire
department/ambulance of an
emergency. These calls will be
responded to promptly. Please use
them for emergencies only.
Perhaps the reason you did not
notice the call boxes is because you
were too focused on not being hit
by one of those SAFE Escort golf
carts. Ironically, those things are
there for your safety. They are the
SAFE Escort service (962-SAFE)
that will take you from mid-cam
pus to your lovely South Campus
dorm. If you don't feel comfortable
walking alone, call them.
You can also catch the Point to
Point (P-to-P) shuttle service. The
shuttles run every 15 minutes from
7p.m. to 3 a.m.
In addition to those resources, the
University also offers free self-
defense classes through the Crime
Prevention Office (966-3230).
According to Mike Campagna, a
self- defense coach and police offi
cer in Charlotte, self-defense begins
with being smart.
Don't put yourself in compromis
ing positions, and if you're walking
alone at night, carry pepper spray
or a stun gun. Also, use good judge
ment. Know when to run, when to
scream and when to fight. If some
thing doesn't look right, or feel
right, it isn’t. It's that simple.
During the past 12 months, the
Department of Public Safety has
stepped up the awareness and
security of Carolina's campus. Here
are four tips from Chief Derek
Poarch;
• Be aware - Know your sur
roundings and report suspicious
behavior immediately.
• Don't advertise - Secure your
valuables properly. Don't leave
items like book bags or laptop com
puters unattended and unprotect
ed.
• Use good judgment — Trust
your instincts. If something doesn't
feel safe, it probably isn't.
• Communicate — Always file a
report with the Department of
Public Safety when a crime has
occurred. Also, let them know your
safety concerns so they can take
appropriate action.
In addition to this advice, Poarch
also wants us to know that walking
and biking along Carolina's busy
roads is the biggest threat to stu
dents and employees. The police
have already begun to ticket driv
ers who don't yield to pedestrians,
but as pedestrians, we need to real
ize that we will get hit. Think before
you walk, and wait for the light. In
a little while UNC's Public Safety
Department will be giving out jay
walking tickets like it's New York.
We need to realize the impor
tance of using common sense and
take an active part in securing safe
ty for ourselves.
Know the resources the
University offers, and use them. Be
smart. Be safe.
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Black INK