Situational awareness is the ability to perceive, understand, and react appropriately to the environment around you. It involves being fully conscious of what is happening in your immediate vicinity, recognizing potential threats, and making informed decisions to maintain safety and security. This critical skill is essential in various contexts, from walking or jogging in public areas to driving, interacting socially, navigating a campus, ensuring safety in your residence, and protecting personal possessions. By staying alert and aware, individuals can anticipate and mitigate risks, enhancing their overall safety and well-being.

Call NDSU Police at 701-231-8998 if you ever feel unsafe or notice something out of place or suspicious. Call 911 if the situation is an emergency.

• Keep your room door locked when you are napping/sleeping or not in your room.
• Never let unauthorized persons come into your room, enter residence halls, or enter apartment security doors. Always ask to see proper identification.
• Never prop open inside or outside doors.
• Do not hide keys outside of your room or apartment. Do not put your name or address on your key rings.
• Close blinds or curtains after dark.
• Any suspicious activity should be reported to the NDSU Police immediately.
• If living with a roommate, get to know each other and learn how best to communicate in an attempt to mitigate potential conflicts.
• Get to know your roommates’ friends.
• The first year of college can be stressful, don’t be afraid to use wellness resources available by the University.
• If possible, avoid bringing high value electronics or possessions into the dorm.
• Document serial numbers of high value items, especially items which are easily concealed and carried out of your room.
• Do not leave money or high value property in plain sight.

• Be aware of building exits and areas to cover or hide in places you visit frequently and new locations.
• Avoid distractions such as texting, wearing headphones, or being on your phone.
• Keep an eye out for suspicious people or packages that are left unattended.
• Act confidently in the actions you take. This reduces the chances of being viewed as a vulnerable target.
• Use your peripheral vision to observe what is happening outside your direct line of sight.

• Carry your car keys when approaching your vehicle so you can enter quickly.
• Always check underneath your car upon approach and in the rear seat for intruders before entering your automobile.
• Lock your doors and keep windows rolled up whenever possible.
• Drive on well-traveled and well-lit streets.
• Never hitchhike, and never pick up hitchhikers.
• If someone tries to enter your stopped vehicle, sound the horn and drive to a safe area such as a convenience store.
• If your vehicle breaks down, ask any person who offers to help to call the police. Do not allow any person access to you or inside your car. Roll down your window no more than an inch.
• Leave enough room between your car and the one ahead so you can drive around it if necessary.
• Call ahead when driving to your home or apartment late at night and have someone watch you walk from your car to the residence.
• Limit distractions such as cell phones.
• Do not leave money or high value property in plain sight within your vehicle.
• If possible, at night, park in a well-lit part of the parking lot.
• While in the parking lot, scan the parking lot for people, and try to recognize if anyone is approaching or following you.

• Avoid walking or jogging alone, and avoid walking or jogging after dark.
• Avoid dark or vacant areas. Walk along well-lit routes.
• Be alert to your surroundings. If you suspect you are being followed: Run in a different direction, go to the other side of the street and yell for help, or move quickly to a lit area, a group of people, or a blue light emergency phone.
• Have your keys ready when returning to your residence hall or apartment. Keep your personal or valuable items concealed and close to your body.
• Avoid wearing headphones when walking or jogging. Always be aware of your surroundings and practice risk avoidance techniques.
• Do not look at your cell phone when walking – all too often people are seen walking with their heads down looking at their phone.
• If concerned for your safety, especially after hours, contact University Police to inquire if they can provide an escort.
• When walking on campus know the purpose and locations of the blue emergency light security stations.
• Know the general layout of campus, including key buildings or features.

• Do not give out your personal information including phone number, email address, social media username, etc. to individuals you have not developed a level of trust with.
• If you perceive communication from another individual to be inappropriate, makes you uncomfortable, or is threatening do not respond.
• Do not put your daily schedule, phone number, or address online.
• Make sure you trust any online website with which you choose to share your personal information (especially financial information like credit cards).
• Before going to a party where alcohol will be present, make a plan, know your limits, and appoint a sober driver.
• At a party stay and leave with the friends you came with.