For your Safety

INFORMATION TO HELP YOU STAY SAFE ON AND OFF-CAMPUS

Where to go

Blue Light Emergency PhonesBlue Light Emergency Phones are located throughout campus. There are over 150 phones that connect directly with a 9-1-1 operator.

CABS, Campus Area Bus ServiceCABS is a free transit service provided by The Ohio State University Transportation and Traffic Management. CABS is dedicated to providing clean, reliable and hassle-free transportation on and around Ohio State’s Columbus Campus. To find the nearest bus stops and up-to-date bus schedules, visit ttm.osu.edu or open the Ohio State mobile app and click buses.

There is nothing more vital to your safety than your own alertness and common sense.

Self DefenseSelf defense programs are offered by University Police. Go to go.osu.edu/rad for more information on these programs.

Support ResourcesSupport resources are available to students who have experienced sexual violence or other trauma-related issues. For more information, visit titleix.osu.edu and click on support resources.

University HousingUniversity Housing works closely with Student Life Risk and Emergency Management and University Police to maintain your safety in residence halls. Your hall staff will provide you with information about access, evacuation procedures and other safety steps. For more information, visit go.osu.edu/housingsafety.

Rideshare ServicesRideshare services have become increasingly popular. While utilizing these services is a good alternative to walk-ing home alone or worse, driving under the influence, it is important you know how to do so safely. More information can be found at ttm.osu.edu/ride-smart.

Enhance Your Home SecurityOff-campus students can take advantage of free window and door alarms and free safety timers by stopping by the Off-Campus and Commuter Student Services office in room 3106 of the Ohio Union. Visit offcampus.osu.edu for more information.

Home Walk-ThroughsAny Ohio State student can request a free 20-minute home walk-through at offcampus.osu.edu. A representative from Student LIfe’s Off-Campus and Commuter Student Services and a member of the Columbus Division of Fire meet students at their homes for a personalized educational walk-through.

For your Safety

INFORMATION TO HELP YOU STAY SAFE ON AND OFF-CAMPUS

What to knowAll U.S. universities are required to make data available about crimes committed on and around campus for the past three years. You can find the Ohio State data on the web at go.osu.edu/clery. Note that the data reflects total crimes in those areas, not just those against students.

University rules, regulations and standards govern conduct with regard to safety. The full text of these policies is located at studentconduct.osu.edu.

Buckeye Alert Buckeye Alerts, often sent via text message, are issued when it is determined that the campus community needs to take immediate action to remain safe.

To make sure you receive alerts, go to buckeyealert.osu.edu.

Public Safety NoticesUniversity Police issue Public Safety Notices to notify students, faculty and staff of crimes that present a serious or continuing threat to the campus community and are intended to heighten safety awareness. Notices are sent via email to all faculty, staff and students.

Neighborhood Safety NoticesIn addition to Public Safety Notices and Buckeye Alerts, the university also may issue Neighborhood Safety Notice emails for serious or violent crimes or crime patterns that occur off-campus when they present a serious or continuing threat to students and employees.

Reporting CrimesAll persons are strongly encouraged to immediately report crime to the police. Under Ohio law, anyone with knowledge of a felony must report it. Resist the urge to call friends, family or tweet about it first. Phone numbers for police agencies serving the campus area are on the back of this brochure.

go.osu.edu/slsafety

Have fun…and be careful

Plan Your RoutesStay connected and tell people where you’re going and when you expect to return. Rave Guardian allows you to select friends or family as a virtual guardian to follow you via GPS tracking. Download today by searching “Rave Guardian” inside the Ohio State app.

Be Alert to Your SurroundingsPay attention and trust your instincts. Be especially careful when using headphones or cell phones. Use well-lit, well-traveled streets and sidewalks; avoid alleys and places with thick shrubbery. Always use crosswalks and look out for your fellow Buckeyes whether walking, pedaling or driving.

Protect Your ValuablesMost thefts are crimes of opportunity and occur within minutes. Unlocked doors are favorite targets. Never leave valuables like cell phones or laptops unattended. Do not let unknown people into residence halls and if you notice anything missing, report it to the police. Always secure yourbike with a U-Lock instead of a cable lock and use a free Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) to “Bug Your Bike.” For more details, visit dps.osu.edu/bug-your-bike.

Know When to Stay, Know When To Go

Always know at least two ways out of every room in case you need to evacuate. Never go back into a building that is on fire. Call 9-1-1 and meet at the pre-designated assembly point outside and account for people in your area.

See Something, Say SomethingAlways dial 9-1-1 in an emergency or to report any situation that involves immediate danger to a person or property. Call the non-emergency number for the police to report suspicious circumstances or to report a burglary or other non-violent offense after the fact. If you witness a crime, try to remember a suspect description and report it as soon as possible so that police can respond.

Be Fire Safe and Smart Smoking, including vaping, is not permitted in the residence halls. Help keep everyone safe by not bringing in items not permitted in residence halls that pose a fire risk. Whether you live on or off campus, you should be serious about fire safety. Visit firesafety.osu.edu to sign up for a smoke-out drill, fire extinguisher education or general fire safety-related training.

Run, Hide, Fight® It’s scary to think about, but an active aggressor can strike any place, at any time. Ohio State’s Department of Public Safety created an “Surviving an Active Aggressor” video to show Buckeyes what to do if encountered by this life-threatening scenario.

Beware of ScamsStudents should be wary of phone calls from unknown numbers or emails from unreliable sources. Be aware of scams including financial aid and scholarship scams, roommate and housing scams, phone and phishing scams and online and immigration scams. Protect your passwords,guard your credit card number, shred sensitive paperwork and don’t leave your mail where it might tempt a potential identity thief.

Socialize Safely OnlineWhen using social networking sites, keep your business your business. Update your privacy settings to restrict access to people you trust. Post only information you’re comfortable with the whole world knowing, because once it’s posted, you can’t take it back. Use caution when sharing details about where you work, where you hang out and what’s going on with you and your friends.

See Something.

Say Something.

Who can help EmergenciesPolice, Fire or MedicalAlways dial 9-1-1 and make sure to tell the operator if you are on Ohio State’s campusOr use a Blue Light Emergency Phone

Non-Emergency NumbersUniversity Policedps.osu.edu | (614) 292-2121

Columbus Policecolumbus.gov/police | (614) 645-4545

Additional ResourcesCounseling and Consultation Service Mental Health Servicesccs.osu.edu | (614) 292-5766

Off-Campus and Commuter Student Services`Your one stop for off-campus and commuter resourcesoffcampus.osu.edu | (614) 292-0100

Student Advocacy Center Helping students overcome obstacles in and out of the classroomadvocacy.osu.edu | (614) 292-1111

Office of Student LifeCreating the extraordinary student experiencestudentlife.osu.edu | (614) 292-9334

Student Wellness Center Campus wellness initiativesswc.osu.edu | (614) 292-4527

Follow on Twitter@OSUPOLICE @OSU_EMFP

Risk and Emergency Management640 Lincoln Tower | 1800 Cannon DriveColumbus, OH 43210

go.osu.edu/slsafety | (614) 292-9334go.osu.edu/slsafety