With the new academic year ready to begin, you’re probably busy making last-minute preparations. Whether you’re new to The University of Alabama or a returning student, staff or faculty member, it’s important to not forget about personal safety in the hustle and bustle of going back to class. Here are five essential tips to help you stay safe this semester.
1. Download the UA Safety App
When it comes to your safety, UA has an app for that. The UA Safety app provides students, employees and campus visitors with immediate access to information in case of campus emergencies.
Users receive UA Alerts and UAPD advisories, weather alerts for Tuscaloosa County including a map showing the affected areas, and a seven-day weather forecast for campus. The app also provides safety guidelines for potential hazards and an emergency contact list for instant dialing if you need police, fire or medical services
If you’re new to campus, the explore feature in the app with its built-in GPS will give you directions to every campus building and shelter location.
The UA Safety app is available for both iOS and Android devices.
2. Use UA Resources
In addition to the UA Safety app, UA offers other resources to help you stay safe.
UA Alerts are sent when there are emergencies on campus. The UA Alerts system can send telephone calls, emails and text messages simultaneously to students, faculty and staff. To make sure you receive UA Alerts, keep your contact information updated in myBama. Instructions can be found on the Office of Emergency Management’s website.
More than 200 emergency blue phones are located on campus and in parking decks. These phones will connect you directly with UAPD.
Students and employees with immediate emergencies should call 911 or UAPD at 205-348-5454. After an immediate emergency has been handled, students can find more support from the Office of Student Care and Well-being, while the Employee Assistance Program is available for faculty and staff.
3. Secure Your Belongings
If you live in a residence hall, make sure to always lock your room door even if you’re just stepping out for a moment. If you live off campus in an apartment or house, make sure to lock all your doors and windows before leaving home.
Don’t leave valuables like laptops, phones and wallets unattended in public spaces. Always lock your car doors, and place valuables like backpacks, purses and packages in the trunk where they can’t be seen.
When doing laundry in the residence halls, make sure to immediately remove your clothes from the washers and dryers when they are finished.
4. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to stay safe is to be aware of your surroundings.
Avoid distractions like texting or listening to music or your favorite true crime podcast while walking. Pay attention to the people around you and trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to call UAPD at 205-348-5454.
If you’re walking at night, always stay in well-lit areas. If you’re attending a late-night event or studying late at the library, make plans with friends to walk back to your residence together.
5. Stay Prepared
Don’t wait for an emergency to happen. You can prepare now by building an emergency kit just like Big Al.
Familiarize yourself with the campus buildings where you will be most often. Take note of exits so you can easily evacuate buildings if necessary. Familiarize yourself with campus evacuation routes in case a campus evacuation is necessary.
The UA Safer Living Guide provides information on campus safety policies, procedures and how you can prepare for emergencies on campus. You can also hear safety information on 92.5 FM UA Info Radio.
Safety Reminder: UA Alert System Test
Weather permitting, the University will test its emergency notification systems, including UA Alerts, the public address system and digital signage Wednesday, Aug. 7, at 11:55 a.m.