Students starting out a new academic year might be worried about meeting and reuniting with friends, scheduling classes, all of the hard exams they are about to encounter, and of course where they can go to get some free food. Students rarely stop to think about good common sense practices to keep themselves and their belongings safe while they are around campus or in Atlanta. That is why we ask you, the parents, to encourage them to use their sixth sense (common sense) when dealing with the various situations that might occur while being at Georgia Tech. 

Please encourage your students to read and put into practice the safety tips listed below:

• If you can avoid walking alone at night, please do so. Walk in groups, walk in well-lit areas, use Jacket Guardian, call a Stingerette, or call GTPD for a safety escort (404-894-2500).

• Protect your valuables. This includes making sure you do not leave your valuables unsecured while you run to the bathroom or grab a drink. Lock your room door to protect your valuables while you are not there, even if you are just going to the bathroom to brush your teeth.

• Avoid letting people tailgate into buildings behind you. If someone tries to follow you into a building or residence hall and you do not know them just politely advise them you cannot let them into the building. If you don’t feel comfortable confronting them, call GTPD (404-894-2500) and we will come check to see if that person belongs. Say no to people trying to tailgate you. 

• If someone seems suspicious to you or is acting weird, pick up the phone and give us a call (404-894-2500) and we will be on our way. If you see something, say something!

• Be friends with GTPD! Follow us on Twitter, “like” us on Facebook, and check out our Youtube videos.  We hope you feel comfortable speaking with officers and asking any questions you might have.

For more information, including crime prevention tips, click here.