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Safety Tips

  1. Put Emergencies on "ICE"

    Experts suggest putting the acronym ICE (In Case of Emergency) in your phone contacts, followed by the name and number of a family member or friend who can be your emergency contact. In the event you're unresponsive, your emergency contact can assist medical staff by providing them with your information and medical history.

    Apple users can also add emergency contacts to their Medical ID in the Health app. Android users can add emergency contacts to their Personal Safety app. Information in both apps can be accessed from a locked home screen. Be sure to turn on this setting in your respective app to allow emergency responders to access potentially life-saving information if you are unresponsive.

  2. Take Advantage of University Safety Resources

    Subscribe to WVU Alert

    The WVU Alert system informs our community about emergencies and other incidents on or near campus. This notification system disseminates important information quickly and efficiently via emails, text messages, the LiveSafe app and other platforms.

    The three tiers of the notification system – WVU Alert, Campus Warning and Community Notice – allow the University to communicate as effectively as possible with faculty, staff, students, parents and other community members with guidance provided by the Clery Act.

    Learn more about the three tiers and how to register at safety.wvu.edu.

    Create a LiveSafe Account and Use SafeWalk

    Download the LiveSafe app and create your account to have a lifeline in your pocket. LiveSafe allows you to report an emergency, share your location with University Police and connect with important safety messages and resources.

    SafeWalk is a feature in the LiveSafe app that allows you to invite family or friends to virtually walk you to your destination. You can also return the favor and monitor your friends as they walk to their destination.

  3. Be Aware of Your Surroundings

    When walking on campus, stay alert and don't become distracted by your phone. View these pedestrian safety tips for more information. Remember to be alert to potential danger – if it doesn’t look or feel right, trust your instincts and report the situation. If you’re ever confronted by an individual with a dangerous weapon, give up your property and never resist.

    Never prop open your building or personal residence door or allow access to a stranger who doesn't have proper identification. Ensure that the doors and windows at your residence properly lock, and have an exit strategy in case of emergency.

  4. Protect Your Belongings

    When in public, always keep your possessions in sight and never leave them unattended. Ensure that your wallet, money, jewelry or other valuable items are locked up and secured when leaving them at home or in a public locker. Never leave attractive items in plain sight in your vehicle or residence.

    You should also take note of serial numbers for electronics and store this information in case of theft.

  5. Know How to Handle Inclement Weather Conditions

    Faculty, staff and students are advised to be cautious and make their own judgments before venturing out into possibly dangerous weather conditions. During weather emergencies (tornados, heavy snows, severe thunderstorms, flash flood events, etc.), your best decision may be to stay inside.

    If you must travel, notify friends or family of your plan and route to ensure they know your whereabouts.

    If sheltering in place, tune in to weather and closure reports, and take note of your food, water and medication inventory.

  6. Take Precautions When Leaving for Extended Periods

    You should take steps to properly secure your residence when you leave for extended periods, including holiday breaks and summer vacation.

    If possible, put a light on a timer. This will show signs of activity in your residence, making it look like your residence is occupied. Unplug all other appliances and electronics, including hair dryers, straighteners and curling irons.

    Arrange to have your mail temporarily held by the U.S. Postal Service to deter mail theft.

    In the winter, keep your heat on to avoid frozen or busted pipes. Set the thermostat to a lower-than-normal setting, but do not turn off the heating system. If accessible, you can also turn off the main water supply to your off-campus residence to minimize damage if a pipe breaks or leaks while you are away.

    When you return, report any theft or suspicious incidents to police. Contact your renter's insurance agent to file a claim for any losses if needed.