In light of recent events, The Minaret decided to talk with Gina Firth, Associate Dean of Students and Kevin Howell, Assistant Director of UT Campus Safety and Security about what students can do to ensure their own safety.
Going Out
So, you’re out with a bunch of friends, possibly drunk, it’s late at night and you need to get back to your room, house, bungalow or closet. What do you do and how do you get back in the safest way possible?
Associate Dean of Students, Gina Firth says that planning out your night before you even leave is the safest way to go.
“Have a plan ahead of time,” Firth said.
Where are you going? That’s right, all of the bars. How will you get there? How will you get back? Answer those kinds of questions. Leave a copy in your room so people can find you in the morning.
Firth says to designate a sober person whether you’re driving or not.
Someone has to be able to lead the group to and from your desired locations safely.
Designated drivers can get a free non-alcoholic drink pass to several of the local watering holes from the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement.
Next, don’t ever leave each other. Stay, go and leave with the same group you came with.
While at the bar, club or restaurant watch impairment levels and take the proper action to make sure the person stays safe.
Just in case, Firth says that programming an I.C.E. (In Case of Emergency) contact into your cell phone is key.
Include emergency contacts for law enforcement and medical personnel to identify the person and contact family if there is an emergency.
Living on or Off campus
There are multiple things students can do both on and off campus to stay safe.
Living on campus seems to be safer but that doesn’t mean students should let their guards down.
Kevin Howell, Assistant Director of Campus Safety and Security says that students still need to be aware of their surroundings.
“You can’t prevent everything but you can help yourself,” Howell said.
Secure your belongings by locking your rooms. When walking around or out in general, Howell suggests that the contents of purses and wallets should not be shown to give anyone any ideas.
Firth also stressed that students need to be aware of their surroundings especially when entering or leaving their residence halls.
Don’t let people you do not know enter your building, if they do something, students are responsible for the damages.
Cameras can see who lets people in and out of the residence halls.
At night, Howell suggests that students travel in groups and stay in well lit areas.
Laser team is also there to help students move around campus safely at night and they run from 8 p.m. to Midnight until Sept 4.
After Sept. 4, they run Sunday through Wednesday 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Thursday through Saturday, 7 p.m. -2 a.m. They can be reached at (813) 257-4515.
If the LASER team is not running UT security offers rides around the campus at all times.
They can be reached at ext. 3333 from campus phones or (813) 253-5133 directly.
If a student see someone suspicious walking around campus or they feel threatened, Howell said to call 911 first and security second. This goes for any emergencies.
If calling from cell phone be prepared to tell them your location because you may not have called Tampa Police.
Just as living on campus, students need to be aware of their surroundings off-campus as well.
If students choose to live off-campus, Howell said that they should ask the Law Enforcement in the area. He even offered to answer questions as a former Tampa Police officer.
“They [We] don’t want to see good people go in bad areas,” Howell said.
When out at night make sure transportation is planned both to and from the destination.
“It’s better to take a cab, than take a chance,” Howell said.