Personal Safety - Mar 2023

Health Services Stall News

For Health and Wellness

Clovis Community College has a responsibility to maintain a safe campus. We continually assess for opportunities to improve campus safety and decrease risk. Even so, it is important to remember that every individual also has responsibility for their own personal safety – both on and off campus.

Caution sign reading "Be Prepared"

Personal Safety Preparations

  •  Add emergency phone numbers to your cell phone for ready access.
    • 559-244-5911 – Campus Police Emergency Line
    • 911 – Emergency Services Line
    • 988 – Suicide and Crisis Line
    • 1-800-222-1222 – CA Poison Control Hotline
  • Make sure your emergency contacts are also in your phone.
  • Keep a written copy of emergency numbers and your emergency contacts in your wallet to use in case your phone is lost or not functioning.
  • Sign up for the 1st2Know Emergency Alert System to receive campus safety notifications via text. To sign up, visit "My Portal" and click on your username at the top right and select "Communication Preferences".
  • Add the Campus Police Non-Emergency number, 559-244-6140, to your phone in case you need a jump start, get locked out of your car, or need an escort at night.
  • Take advantage of any safety trainings available to you (ex. self-defense, active shooter, CPR, First Aid, and emergency preparedness, trainings)
  • Consider carrying a whistle, an alarm, and/or pepper spray,.
  • Edit your social media settings to make sure only friends can see your posts.
  • Disable location finders on social media sites that publicly share this information.
  • Be familiar with the campus layout including landmarks and streets.  Know the location of the neon yellow emergency button poles located around the Clovis campus. Pushing the emergency button on the pole will connect you to Campus Police Dispatch.
  • Familiarize yourself with the information on the Emergency Procedure and the Emergency Lockdown posters posted in classrooms and work areas.

Habits that Improve Personal Safety

  • Keep your cell phone charged so it is ready when you need it.
  • Always lock your car with windows up to deter theft and intruders.
  • Never leave any valuable items in your car in open view.
  • Keep your keys separate from your purse or backpack.
  • Avoid looking like a target when walking.
  • Walk with confidence; your head up and look around.
  • Stay alert to your surroundings; avoid looking at your phone.
  • If you must use your phone, use a Bluetooth devices to keep your hands free and make sure you can still hear outside sounds.
  • Don't overload yourself with bags or packages.
  • Have your key or fob ready, in your hand when you approach your car. Avoid distractedly fumbling around to find your keys.
  • As you approach your vehicle, look around the entire area to see if there's anyone loitering nearby.
  • Before getting in your car, check to make sure no one is hiding inside.
  • Keep more than enough gas in your tank than what you expect to use or need.
  • Keep your vehicle in good working condition. When you leave your car for service, be sure to remove your other keys.
  • If you see something suspicious on campus, report it. Contact Campus Police via the Non-Emergency or Emergency line, as appropriate.

clovis-campus-bldg.jpg

Additional Tips for Being on Campus After Dark

  • Park in an area that will be well-lit at night.
  • Note where you parked so you can easily find your car later.
  • Always keep your cell phone with you.
  • Find other students in class who will agree to walk out together after class. Plan to consistently park in the same location. If your cars end up parked far away from each other, walk together to one vehicle, then drive together to the other car.
  • If you are alone, call the Non-Emergency Campus Police line to get an escort to your car: 559-244-6140. (Tip: to decrease wait time, call ahead to schedule a time for the escort).