Columbia University Housing

General Safety Guidelines: Inside the Residence Halls

• Keep your room and suite doors locked at all times.
• Do not sign anyone into your residence hall whom you do not know or who will not be in your company at all times. Remember that you are responsible for anyone you sign in.
• Never open your door to strangers. If a stranger asks to make a phone call, refer them to the pay phones in the lobby, or in an emergency to the nearest RA. If the person persists or tries to gain entry, contact Public Safety.
• Avoid keeping large amounts of cash or valuables in your room.
• Stairs should not be used when you are alone or as a means to escape pursuers or potential attackers. Go to an area where other people are present.
• Never give out private information to strangers over the telephone. This includes your voice mail greeting. If you are the victim of telephone harassment, report it to Public Safety and your Assistant/Associate Director (AD).

General Safety Guidelines: Outside the Residence Halls

• If you feel that you are being followed, cross the street and remain alert.
• Avoid walking near dark doorways, abandoned buildings, or other locations where someone could be hiding. Avoid shortcuts and stay in well-lit areas.
• If a vehicle stops and the occupant asks for directions, remain on the sidewalk and do not approach the car.
• When arriving home by private vehicle or taxi, ask the driver to wait until you are safely on campus grounds, and preferably inside your residence hall.
• Arrive with your keys in hand so that you can quickly open the door.

General Safety Guidelines: Elevator Safety

• Before entering an elevator, check to see who is inside. If you do not feel comfortable, wait for the next elevator.
• Never tamper with or abuse any of the equipment or controls.
• Never pry open doors or hold them open by the safety edges.
• Never exceed the capacity posted in the elevator car.
• Should an elevator stop between floors, use the emergency phone located in the elevator car; it will provide direct access to Public Safety. They will give you proper instructions on how to proceed.
• Never attempt to exit an elevator that is stuck between floors without directions and assistance from emergency personnel.
• Report elevator malfunctions to 212-854-2779. Specify the elevator location, the nature of the problem, and the number of passengers in the elevator.
• Never use elevators in a fire.

General Safety Guidelines: Personal Safety

In the event of an emergency, call ext. 99. Utilize campus Public Safety services to prevent criminal activities on and around campus. If you are assaulted, remain calm, do not try to resist or overcome the suspect and try to get a good description of him or her. Report the crime immediately to Public Safety for assistance.