Safety Issues

(Sara Miller, Tom Wilson, Amanda Wickramasekera and Ira Yeap)

Safety Talking Points

General:

• Always be aware of your surroundings: people, objects, lights, etc.
• If something doesn’t seem safe to do, then don’t do it.
• Don’t share passwords, bank accounts, social security #, ID cards, or phone cards with anyone.
• Never give people information about your bank account, password, over the phone or on the internet.  Banks NEVER ask for that information via the internet or phone.
• Keep Emergency phone numbers with you; carry the card in your billfold or purse:

Int’l Students and Scholars: 503-768-7305

Campus Safety: 503-768-7777 or 7855

ISS Google Voice number:  503-974-6477

Brian at Home: 503-296-6756

 

On campus:

• Lock your dorm room, even when you go to the bathroom.
• Don’t hold the outside door open for strangers.
• Report unknown or suspicious visitors in residence halls to the RA or Campus Safety.
• Don’t lend your L&C ID card to anyone. The card records all entries and exits in all campus buildings. Information is stored on Campus Safety computers.
• Avoid dark or isolated locations.
• Request campus escort at night if you feel uncomfortable. Call 7855 or 7777.
• Recognize emergency phones around campus.
• Campus safety emergency line is 7777.
• Store your valuables in a safe place. If you leave during extended breaks (Thanksgiving, winter/spring break), take your valuables with you.
• ISS can store your passport and immigrations for you.

 

Off campus:

• Especially during your first weeks, don’t go off campus alone at night. It is better to adjust and “learn the system” before venturing out alone.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash (over $75).
• If you get money from an ATM machine, be aware of who is around you.
• Some parts of Portland are safer than others—learn which places to avoid. For example, Pioneer Square is well populated and generally safe. Old Town, Chinatown, and areas around the Burnside Bridge are not as safe, particularly at night.
• As a general rule, don’t be out downtown, especially if you are alone, after 12 midnight.
• Downtown, you may be approached by “panhandlers” or beggars asking for money. It’s best not to talk with them or give them money. Just say, “Sorry, no.” If you want to help them, there are other ways to do it.
• Do not leave coats, bags, or other valuables on the seat of your car in plain view. Thieves may break the window to take items.
• Drinking & Driving: Avoid this. It’s dangerous, and there are severe penalties if caught. Use Pioneer Express, designated driver, or taxi if friends are not able to drive safely.
• If you plan to be off campus overnight, be sure to tell your roommate and your RA so someone will know where you are.
• Do not use drugs! Drugs are dangerous and there are severe immigration consequences for international students. You may be permanently barred from the US. Int’l students often do not realize how serious this is. While a US student may be just given a ticket for smoking marijuana, an int’l student can be deported and never permitted to return to the US for use of marijuana or other drugs!
• Drinking alcohol is illegal for students under 21 years of age. Drinking alcohol in public places on campus is prohibited. Public places include: hallways, stairwells, bathrooms, and outside on college property.
• Be cautious around overly friendly strangers in the city. They may be harmless, but some have tried to recruit international students to fringe-groups or cults.
• If stopped by a Campus Safety officer, be polite and cooperative. Give them your ID card, if asked to do so.

 

While Driving:

• If you are signaled by a policeman to stop, slow down and pull over in a lighted area, if possible.
• Do NOT get out of the car. Keep your hands in full view on the steering wheel.
• Cooperate fully with the policeman.
• Make sure that you have up-to-date car/accident insurance before you drive a car