Safety Tips

When walking or jogging

• Go with someone.
• Stay away from isolated areas.
• Stay in well lit areas.
  
  

If you’re followed

• Cross the street and change directions.
• Go to a well lighted area. Enter a store, house, residence hall, anywhere there are people.
• Notice and try to remember as much as possible about the person, so you can give a good description later.
  
  

If you’re a victim of a robbery

• Don’t resist, no amount of money is worth taking chances with your life.
• Notify the campus police or local police immediately.
• Try to give a description that includes approximate age, height, weight, clothing, jewelry, and details on hair, scars, tattoos, anything that is noticeable.
  
  

Protect personal and University property

• Lock your office door every time you leave.
• Engrave expensive equipment
• Engraving equipment is available upon request in the Campus Police office.
• Don’t store your purse in an unlocked desk drawer.
• Don’t leave your belongings unattended in libraries, hallways, locker rooms, or classrooms.
  
  

If you are working late

• Keep your office door locked.
• Lock all doors behind you as you enter and exit the building.
• Advise the Campus Police that you are in your office.
  
  

Protect yourself and your car

• Keep doors locked while driving.
• Don’t pick up hitchhikers.
• Always lock your car and take the keys.
• Park in well lighted areas.
• Place packages out of sight.
  
  

If an individual without UT Health Sciences identification is seeking entry into one of our buildings, you should:

• Encourage them to call the person they are visiting to come meet them.
• Direct contractors or vendors to visit Campus Police Access Control to obtain a contractor/vendor identification badge.
• Contact the Campus Police by calling 901.448.4444 to report the presence of suspicious individuals or those that do not have a legitimate reason for being on campus that is related to UT Health Sciences business. 
• Familiarize yourself with the blue phones on campus in case you have to use one.
• For the most up-to-date information on campus crime statistics and safety information, please review our updated daily crime log.

Preventing Piggybacking

Piggybacking occurs when an unauthorized person follows an authorized person into a restricted area. Here’s how to prevent it:

• Be Vigilant: Always be aware of your surroundings when entering secure areas.
• Don’t Hold Doors Open: Politely refuse to hold doors open for strangers. Everyone should use their own access credentials.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you notice someone attempting to piggyback, report it to campus security immediately.
• Use Access Control Systems Properly: Ensure doors close securely behind you and do not let anyone tailgate.

Securing Personal Items

To keep your personal belongings safe: 

• Lock Up Valuables: Use lockers or secure cabinets to store valuable items. Always lock your office or dorm room when you leave.
• Keep Items Out of Sight: Avoid leaving personal items like laptops, phones, and wallets in plain view, even for a short time.
• Use Anti-Theft Devices: Consider using cable locks for laptops and other portable electronics.
• Label Your Belongings: Mark your items with your name or a unique identifier to make them less attractive to thieves and easier to recover if lost.
• Be Cautious with Bags: Never leave bags unattended in public areas. Keep them close to you at all times.