“We want and need our students to understand that because we are located in an urban setting there are certain challenges that they face and precautions that they need to take,” noted Dean of Students John Stein. “The purpose of this day is to raise the entire Georgia Tech community’s awareness of these personal safety and property security issues.”

The campus will be blanketed with safety information including valentines with messages such as, “You’re not special to a thief or burglar.” Georgia Tech Police will be distributing safety information that we hope parents will help reinforce to their students:

1) Avoid leaving valuables (laptops, iPods, etc.) unattended
2) Always lock your car and keep valuables in your trunk
3) Always lock your doors and windows
4) Don't walk alone after dark
5) Ride the Stingerette when studying or working late at night
6) Be aware of your surroundings
7) Report suspicious activity or concerns to the Georgia Tech Police Department
8) Avoid off-campus crime hot spots
9) Trust your instincts - Leave if you feel uncomfortable in a setting
10) Add the Georgia Tech Police phone number, 404-894-2500, to your list of contacts

In addition, parents should remind their students that Georgia Tech offers the Stingerette Nighttime Shuttle Service from 6 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., Monday through Sunday. Students simply need to call (404) 385-RIDE or visit http://stingerette.com to schedule a pickup.

For students living in the Home Park/Centennial Place communities adjacent to campus, students may purchase a Safe Ride Home Punch Card to be transported to those areas safely at night. The cost for the service is $20 for 10 rides. Click here for additional information on this service.

Additional information on crime safety and awareness can be found at
www.police.gatech.edu/crimeinfo/crimeprevention.