As the new semester/session begins, we want to welcome you back and remind you that your safety is our priority. Citrus College is a very safe campus, where crime is minimal and violent crime is almost non-existent. However, the following are some essential safety tips we recommend to keep you safe on campus.
- Make the call. Program the campus safety department's phone number into your cell phone so you have it at your fingertips in an emergency on campus or if you need assistance. Don't hesitate to make the call if you see a crime in progress or something suspicious. If you see something, say something. Call campus safety at (626) 914-8611.
- Help and resources are one click away. Download campus safety's mobile app, "Citrus Guardian." Stay connected and receive important campus notifications, communicate with campus safety via text or phone call, and gain access to resources, documents, and phone numbers you need most. Download the free "Rave Guardian" app on the Apple App Store (for iPhone) or Google Play (for Android), and when prompted, enter your Citrus College e-mail address. Upon confirmation as a Citrus College student or employee, the "Rave Guardian" app will become "Citrus Guardian."
- Know your way around campus. Consider downloading a campus map onto your cell phone or other device to become familiar with where important offices are located and where to go if you need assistance.
- Be prepared in the event of an emergency. Review the college's emergency preparedness web page. Ensure you are signed up to receive emergency notifications via Citrus Alert. Download the emergency response procedures flipchart onto your cell phone or other smart device.
- Know where the blue light emergency phones are on campus. Scout out the blue light emergency phones so you know their locations. If you forgot your phone, have a dead battery, need an escort, or need assistance, you can use these phones to contact campus safety directly 24/7.
- Don't walk alone. Whenever and wherever possible, avoid walking alone. Walk with friends or classmates and walk along well-traveled, well-lit areas. Never walk alone at night. Take advantage of campus safety's escort services. Call campus safety, and campus safety personnel will meet you at your location and walk you anywhere on campus (i.e., to/from your class, office, or car).
- Protect your property. Never leave personal items like your backpack, laptop, or cell phone unattended, even if it's just for a minute. Make it a habit to take these valuables with you.
- Keep personal information private. To avoid becoming a victim of identity theft, carry only the necessary items in your wallet or purse. Don't keep items like your social security card in your wallet, and don't give personal information to solicitors.
- Report solicitors. Certain methods criminals use to take your money include magazine subscriptions, donation requests, spa packages, and "earn money now" schemes. Never provide a solicitor with your personal information. Avoid solicitors' scams by politely saying no and immediately notifying campus safety.
Be aware of your social media settings. Check your social media settings and ensure only friends can see your posts. Also, disable location finders on social media sites that publicly share this information.
- Secure your vehicle. Large parking lots are common targets for thieves. Never leave valuables or items in plain view in your car. Take items like laptops, backpacks, purses/wallets, and other electronics or valuables with you. Make sure your windows are up, and the doors are locked. Apply a security device or set the alarm.
- Protect your bike. If you ride a bike to campus, park and lock it to a bike rack. Always use a high-quality, hardened steel "U" lock, not a cable lock. Lock the front tire and frame to the bike rack for optimum security.
- Be alert on public transportation. If you ride the train, bus, or other public transit, stay awake at all times and keep your personal belongings close to you. Sit near the door or the driver. If someone is harassing you, don't hesitate to tell the driver or call 911.
- Empower yourself by enrolling in a self-defense course. Knowing specific self-defense tactics can increase your odds of fending off an attacker. These courses are designed to give you the tools to keep yourself and your community safe.
- Have emergency contacts in your phone. Make sure to input emergency contacts, such as the campus safety phone number, into your phone so you don't need to look them up in an emergency.
If you have any questions or concerns or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact campus safety at (626) 914-8611.
