September is National Campus Safety Awareness Month. The observance encourages conversations about campus safety and helps students learn about available resources.
The University of Alabama is a safe campus, but safety is a shared responsibility. Whether you’re new to campus or preparing for another football season, a few simple steps can help you stay safe throughout the year.
Here are five things everyone should know.
Know how to get help
In an emergency, every second counts.
If you’re on campus, call UAPD at 205-348-5454 immediately if you need police, fire or medical assistance. For emergencies off campus, dial 911.
For non-emergency situations, contact UAPD at the same number.
Many people think they should call police only when a crime occurs. However, officers can also help with suspicious activity, welfare concerns, traffic issues and other requests for assistance.
Know how you’ll receive emergency information
When emergencies occur, timely information matters.
UA Alerts deliver important safety information to students, faculty and staff. The University may send alerts for severe weather, dangerous conditions, public safety incidents and other emergencies that affect campus.
Review your contact information in myBama regularly and make updates when necessary.
Pay close attention to any emergency messages you receive and follow all instructions that are given.
Staying informed is one of the easiest ways to stay safe.
Know the safety tools on your phone
Almost everyone carries a valuable safety resource in their pocket every day.
The UA Safety app provides quick access to emergency contacts, UA Alerts, and a GPS map to every campus building, including all campus storm shelters.
The app can help students connect with assistance like the UA Counseling Center, Camellia Center and Student Care and Well-Being, and learn about campus safety resources.
Download the app for free for iOS and Android devices.
Know how to report suspicious activity
Crime prevention often starts when someone speaks up.
Students frequently notice unusual behavior before anyone else. They may see suspicious activity or encounter situations that seem out of place. Reporting those concerns allows law enforcement to assess the situation and respond quickly.
Report suspicious people, unusual behavior, safety concerns or information about potential crimes by calling UAPD at 205-348-5454.
If you see something, say something.
Know that safety is a shared responsibility
Campus safety involves more than police officers, emergency phones and safety apps.
Students, faculty and staff help create a safer campus when they stay aware of their surroundings, secure their belongings and make responsible decisions. They also strengthen campus safety when they look out for friends and report concerns.
Simple actions can prevent serious incidents. Checking on a friend, reporting suspicious activity and paying attention to emergency alerts all make a difference.
National Campus Safety Awareness Month reminds us that campus safety works best when everyone does their part.
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, Sept. 2, at 11:55 a.m.