Polk State Students: Stay Safe After Dark with These Tips

With Sunday’s time change, it’s dark by 6 p.m. — just when a lot of students are walking to class. Here, News@Polk reminds students of steps they can take to stay safe on campus after nightfall:

• Always park in a well-lit area.
• Park next to a friend and walk to and from class together.
• Call a friend or family member, tell them your location and what time you will call them from your destination.
• If you have to walk to your car alone at night, always have your car keys and phone ready.
• When you unlock your doors, only unlock the driver’s door, so that no one can slip into the backseat when you’re not looking. This is also a good idea for when you’re pumping gas, and at all times of day, too.
• Don’t take shortcuts; stay on well-traveled walkways where you’re likely to see other people.
• Always know where you are going.
• If you feel threatened, get inside a building and stay there until you feel safe and you have someone to walk you to your car.

Polk State students may contact campus security at 863.297.1059, or by pressing the “emergency” button on any of the red emergency towers found at all Polk State centers and campuses. Students may also always call 911.