With the academic year underway, the WVU Police Department reminds students of key safety tips and reminders to ensure you stay as safe as possible.
- Lock up before you leave your residence – each and every time. Ensuring windows and doors are locked and that valuable items are out of plain sight will limit any possibility of burglary or theft. These tips also apply to vehicles. We recommend developing a routine to inspect locks on all doors, windows and other applicable areas to ensure they are working effectively and locked, especially at night.
- If you lose the key to your residence, report it to the appropriate person immediately so your locks can be changed. If you live in a residence hall and access your room with a WVU ID, report lost IDs at mymountaineercard.wvu.edu to deactivate your old ID. New ID cards can be obtained for $20 at one of the ITS Service Center locations during business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
- If you see something suspicious, please say something. Report suspicious activity by dialing 911 or calling University Police at 304-293-3136.
- Download the LiveSafe app and turn on push notifications for direct and discreet two-way communication with UPD through text, photo, video and audio. You can also utilize the SafeWalk feature to virtually walk home with friends and family.
- Ensure you are registered to receive email and text messages through the WVU Alert system, which is the University’s three-tiered emergency messaging system that is used to send important messages about emergencies or incidents that occur on or near campus.
- If you drink alcohol, please exercise caution. Stick with one type of alcohol to better moderate how much alcohol you consume, pace drinks to one or fewer per hour and alternate alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic beverages. You should also always have an eye on your drink – never set it down or give it to someone else to hold. Utilize the buddy system to help prevent someone from ending up in an unsafe situation, and have a plan for your group to get home safely.
- Always call for medical assistance when someone is in danger of drug or alcohol overdose. Under WVU’s medical amnesty policy, you may be safe from prosecution and may not face charges under the Campus Student Code if you seek medical assistance in an emergency. Bottom line – always seek help to save a life.
Download the LiveSafe app and turn on push notifications for direct and discreet two-way communication with police. To receive alerts about emergencies and incidents on or near campus, register for the WVU Alert system.