Advice On College Campus Security Concerns
By
Relationship Advice Expert April Masini
Q: Dear April Masini,
My son is deciding on a college for the Fall. It's of course a thrilling process, but with the Virginia Tech shooting so fresh in our memories, campus security is a weighty concern of mine. When visiting schools, how should I find out the level of security on college campuses?
Sincerely,
University Nerves
A:
Dear University Nerves,
The reality is that terrorism takes all forms today -- from foreign, sophisticated terrorist networks, to loners who have access to a weapon. And no one is 100% safe. That said, universities and colleges can accept the reality and impose standards of safety to meet today's challenges, or they can stick their heads in the sand and pretend "it doesn't happen here." The reality is, it does. From ivy league to community college, students are less safe than ever.
Security doesn't quite realize that it's the new, hot industry, but it will. Especially when students and parents decide not to attend or send their children to enroll in universities where safety does not take the same priority as SAT scores.
Until that time, here are 10 Tips To Take Care:
1. Carry a cell phone that is fully charged. Get into the habit of doing so. You can call for help if you have your cell phone, and if it's charged.
2. Only contract with a cell phone company that directly connects you to 911 if you dial it. You'd be surprised how many cell phone companies don't.
3. Refuse to attend a school that does not have security measures that make you feel safe.
4. Refuse to live in a dorm that does not have a 24-hour security guard, camera system, and state of the art security plan.
5. Keep your computer on. In emergencies, e-mail and campus websites can be a great source of information.
6. Coordinate with a dozen friends (and if you don't have a dozen friends, make them for this purpose) and set up an emergency only website or MySpace or some type of site where you can quickly share information in case of a problem.
7. Listen to your instincts. Too often we over-ride our own instincts with "rational" thoughts. If you don't listen to your instincts, listen to your mother.
8. Know the exits and entrances to your building -- whether it's a classroom building or a dorm or a movie theater. Be aware of where you can enter and exit in case of emergency.
9. Keep your car's gas tank full. If you are able to get to your car in an emergency, make sure it will be able to run!
10. Don't deny. Problems of all magnitude happen. Being aware of what they are, what they could be, and what they have been will give you a jump on being prepared, and preparedness is a safety measure.
April Masini -- nicknamed "the new millennium's Dear Abby" by the media, is author of the best-selling books Date Out Of Your League and Think & Date Like A Man, the two (just released) step-by-step dating and relationship manuals, Ideas for a Fun Date and Romantic Date Ideas,
and the critically acclaimed dating and relationship online magazine www.AskApril.com.
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