Personal safety

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UAB offers lots of courses, safety information and counseling for all students, faculty and staff. We have gathered some of the key points here, along with the most useful links to UAB resources. Don't be afraid to use them!

General advice

Don't leave expensive or tempting personal property on display, either by wearing it or leaving it visibly in your car.
Pay attention to your surroundings: don't have your music turned up so high that you wouldn't hear someone walking behind you.
Carry a cellphone. (If you're unsure about the area, don't talk on your cellphone - it distracts you from being aware of your surroundings and can draw unwanted attention.)
When regularly driving or cycling alone, make sure someone knows what time to expect you and roughly which route you take.
Never hide your door key under the mat, under a flowerpot or over the door. If necessary, leave a spare with a trusted neighbor.
Always lock ground floor windows. Don't leave an accessible window open when you're asleep or out.
Don't mark your keys with your name or home address. If you worry about losing them, get a return service or use a work address.

Safety on campus

Don't prop your dorm door open.
Make sure all visitors to your dorm sign in.
Note the location of the nearest green Help Phones. These put you directly in touch with the UAB Police, 24 hours a day.
If you're at an early or late class, or working late, ask the UAB Escort Service to escort you to your car or on-campus destination.
Remember the police emergency number: dial 911 or 4-3535 from a campus phone

Safety when walking

Walk with someone else, whenever possible. (Don't let friends walk home alone either.)
Avoid short cuts through vacant lots or other deserted areas.
Walk facing the traffic - it's easier for drivers to see you, reducing the chance of an accident, and harder for someone to pull up behind you.
Dress appropriately. If you expect to be walking, wear suitable shoes. If you can't walk more than 200 yards in heels, consider wearing tennis shoes and changing when you get there.
If someone is following you, do not try confronting him or her. Walk quickly and purposefully to the nearest store, or house, and ask someone to call the police if necessary.

Safety when cycling

Use lights when it's near dawn/dusk and during the night. Although you can see reasonably well, you will be almost invisible to car drivers.
Always cycle on the right side of the road. Think of yourself as a car with only 2 wheels.
Cycle on the road or in the designated cycle lane whenever possible.
If you must cycle on the sidewalk, watch out for pedestrians.
ALWAYS stop and check the road before cycling across a crossing.
Don't cycle near to parked cars - if someone opens a door unexpectedly, you can have anything from a nasty bruise to broken bones.

Safety when driving

Park in well-lit areas and always have your keys in your hand when approaching your car.
If you're on campus and alone at night, ask for someone to escort you.
If you're locked out of your car, it won't start, or you're out of gas, call Parking and Transportation Services (205) 975-6277 and they will help you. They are on call 6am-11pm.
Get into the habit of always locking the car doors as soon as you sit down. Don't make a phone call, change the CD or check how you look first!
Don't drive after drinking, and don't let your friends drive either. It's far better to get a cab (or walk a couple of miles) and collect your car tomorrow than it is to risk an accident or a DUI.
If you are in a minor accident at night, or in a deserted area, and anything seems suspicious, do not get out of your car or roll down the window. Tell the other driver he can follow you to a police or fire station to exchange details.

Safety when out

Don't get drunk.
Stay with your friends.
Always keep a hand on your drink - whether it's alcoholic or not.
Never leave your drink unattended.