Security at SCAD-Atlanta

Home and Residence Hall Security

• Respect residence hall and college facility access regulations. SCAD IDs must be presented to gain access to residence halls and college facilities. All visitors must sign in upon entering any SCAD facility.
• Record serial numbers on all valuable personal items (e.g., stereos, cameras) in the log at the back of this brochure.
• Photograph any unique or unusual personal items or jewelry.
• Lock your residence, even during short-term absences.
• Get to know your neighbors.
• Play your radio or television while away from home.
• Be suspicious of strangers in your neighborhood or hallway and of people ringing your doorbell with no good reason.
• Maintain key control. Use deadbolt locks.
• Change or re-key locks when moving into a previously occupied dwelling.
• Secure sliding doors with specifically designed locks that prevent the door from sliding open.
• Always keep entrance doors locked in residence halls. If you find a door propped open, close it.
• Cooperate with other occupants in your apartment building or residential complex by keeping the main outer door locked.
• Hide valuable jewelry, money or other expensive items in unlikely locations.
• Stop all deliveries and have a trusted friend pick up your mail when you are out of town.
• Do not advertise your habits, wealth or upcoming vacations in restaurants, bars or other public locations.
• Single women should avoid the use of “Miss,” “Ms.” or their first names on mailboxes. Use the last name and first initial.
• Do not keep your house keys and car keys together.
• Do not identify your keys with tags containing your name, address or telephone number.
• Do not allow strangers into your home unless you are absolutely positive about their identification.
• Do not advertise that your home is unoccupied. Answering machine messages should never include statements like “Iʼm not at home now …”
• Never advertise that you are home alone.
• Protect your SCAD ID and immediately report its loss to college security.
• Check in all guests at the front desk of your residence hall.

Vehicle Safety

• Lock all car doors—even while traveling—and especially in unfamiliar areas.
• Roll up windows tightly.
• Park in heavily traveled areas. At night, park in a well-lighted area.
• Engrave or mark an identifying number (not your social security number) on a hidden place on the car and on any valuable components to help police identify recovered property.
• Do not leave keys in the vehicle for any reason, even during a short stop.
• Do not leave valuables in sight.
• Do not hide spare keys around the outside of the vehicle—they can be found.
• Do not leave your car title or registration papers in the glove compartment.
• Keep enough gas in your vehicle for emergencies.
• If your car breaks down, wait inside it for police help.
• Police officers and tow truck drivers carry identification. Do not unlock your car door or exit your vehicle until they show you their identification through the glass of your closed window.
• Never ride with strangers.
• Always lock your bicycle.
• Remember that bicycles must adhere to the same traffic regulations as vehicles.

Street Safety

• Plan your route when walking. Avoid shortcuts through deserted parks, vacant lots and unlit passages.
• Carry a personal alarm. Free personal alarms are available at the student services office, 1600 Peachtree St.
• Let a friend know where you are going and when you expect to return. (Do not leave this information in a note on the outside of your door.)
• Make sure a friend has contact numbers for you in case of an emergency.
• Learn the area and know the location of business establishments, hospitals and police stations where you can go for help.
• Carry only identification, phone numbers, and credit cards or money you will need.
• Stay alert; be aware of who is on the street and in the area. Make it difficult for anyone to take you by surprise (e.g., do not blare stereos or wear headphones).
• Keep a list at home of all important material you would need to replace in case of loss.
• If you think someone is following you, turn around and check; the surprise of a hostile look or aggressive word can change a potential attackerʼs mind. Head for people, lights or traffic, or run and scream.
• If a car follows you or stops, change direction and walk or run toward people, stores or a house.
• Along your everyday routes, note the location of emergency telephones or call boxes in public garages and parking lots before you ever need them.
• Walk with trusted friends after dark.
• Follow well-lighted paths.
• Park your car in well-lighted areas close to your destinations. Pay for parking if necessary to park where it is safest.
• Walk to your car with your key ready. Glance beneath the car and in the back seat before entering.
• Use ATMs in well-lighted and well-traveled areas.
• Look around ATM areas for people "just hanging around."
• Do not leave your car running while you use an ATM.
• Do not lend your ATM/debit card to anyone.

Preventing Sexual Assault

• Acquaintance and date rape occurs more frequently on college campuses than rape by strangers. Communicate clearly with your date. Explicit consent should be granted before any sexual activity begins. If an acquaintance or a date initiates sexual activity, clearly indicate whether or not you wish this activity to continue. Give or deny consent.
• Remember that alcohol and illegal drugs may impair your judgment and ability to clearly communicate your boundaries to someone else, and that the judgment of others may be impaired; party safely.
• Do not accept a ride from someone you have just met, even if he or she seems nice.
• Never leave your beverage unattended at a party.
• In the event of a sexual assault or other victimization, seek immediate assistance.