As the new school year begins, it’s essential to prioritize your safety. Here are some valuable tips from a University of West Florida (UWF) senior to help you navigate various situations, from spotting a drunk driver to staying secure on campus at night.
1. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Awareness is crucial for personal safety. Staying vigilant helps you identify and avoid unsafe situations before they escalate. For instance, avoid using headphones while walking around campus, especially at night when there are fewer people around. If possible, walk with a friend or let someone know your whereabouts and expected return time. Safety often comes with the presence of others, and numbers tend to dwindle after dark.
2. Never Drive Under the Influence
Never drive or ride with someone who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Regardless of your tolerance level or how much you’ve consumed, driving impaired puts everyone’s lives at risk. In Florida, there were 5,262 alcohol-related crashes and 617 drug-related crashes in 2022, many of which were fatal.
Signs that a driver may be impaired include –
- erratic braking
- veering off the roadway
- following too closely
- driving into oncoming traffic
- drifting between lanes
If you notice these behaviors, contact campus police if on campus or the Florida Highway Patrol if off-campus.
3. Register for UWF Emergency Alerts
The UWF Emergency Alert system communicates urgent situations to students, faculty, and staff. While your student email is automatically enrolled, registering your phone number for mobile alerts adds an extra layer of safety.
These alerts can inform you about campus closures, emergency evacuations, or other critical updates. For instance, UWF mobile alerts have previously notified students about severe weather conditions and unexpected wildlife encounters on campus.
Follow the provided steps to register for these alerts here.
4. Utilize Campus Resources
UWF offers various resources to enhance your safety. If you ever feel unsafe, don’t hesitate to use them. One key resource is the UWF Blue Light System, consisting of 65 emergency poles strategically placed across campus. These poles are equipped with a red emergency button that, when pressed, immediately connects you to a UWF Police dispatcher. If you can’t stop to use the box, hitting the pole will activate a blue strobe light and sound an alarm, alerting UWF officers. Each activated light prompts a response from campus police.
By staying aware, avoiding impaired drivers, registering for alerts, and using campus resources, you can help ensure a safer school year. Always try to keep these tips in mind. If you ever have any questions about
safety or resources, you can always visit the UWF Police website for more information and even
more safety tips.
