Personal+Safety+Overview

=Personal Safety Overview=

WA Campus Security Services
Public Safety is an important campus resource focused on facilitating a safe and secure environment for Worcester's students, faculty, staff and guests. Worcester Academy’s Safety and Security staff strives to provide excellence in service delivery and to enable a truly positive Academy experience.

Suspicious Behavior: What Is It?

 * A person isn't suspicious, his/her behavior is!
 * Here is a list of some suspicious signs and behavior:
 * A person running: If he or she were looking about furtively, as if he or she were being watched or chased.
 * A person hauling property: If he or she were hauling property, such as a stereo, office equipment, lab equipment, or a locked bike, at an unusual time or location.
 * Someone going door-to-door in an office building or residential hall/area: This person may be looking for an opportunity to steal unattended property from unsecured offices/residential areas.
 * Anyone forcing their way into a locked vehicle: This is highly suspicious especially at night and in one of the Academy’s parking areas.
 * Business transactions being held at a vehicle: Someone could be conducting an illegal drug or stolen property sale.
 * One or more people sitting in a parked car checking out the area: They may be lookouts for a crime in progress (burglary/robbery) or for plotting a crime.
 * Someone being forced into a vehicle: this may be a kidnapping.
 * A person showing unusual mental or physical symptoms: He or she may be injured in an accident, be under the influence of illegal drugs or prescribed medications, or need other medical or psychiatric help.
 * Strange noises: gunshots, yelling, fighting sounds, dogs barking incessantly.
 * For emergencies after school hours dial 508-769-2670 (cell)



Emergency Telephone Locations
Emergency telephones or call boxes are located across the WA campus. These phones are topped with a blue light to make them easy to find.

Use the emergency telephone for a direct communication with Security and/or the Worcester Police Department.

As you explore the campus, make a point of noting where the emergency telephones are. The map (shown on right) illustrates the location of the emergency telephones with a blue “E.”

Safety Tips
Being aware of your surroundings and prepared for unexpected situations goes hand-in-hand with city life. We encourage you to make safety practices an important part of all your daily routines. Here we offer a few simple tips to keep in mind whether you are at home or out and about in the city.

Walking

 * Plan your way in advance. Choose well-traveled routes. Use discretion when talking or walking with strangers, even if they are offering you help or assistance. Always keep moving toward your destination. Walk with purpose.
 * When possible, try to travel with friends, whether it is daytime or evening. Just remember: there is safety in numbers.
 * Avoid deserted areas. Do not cut through parks, alleys, and vacant lots at night; and use caution in these areas during the day.
 * If you think you are being followed, cross the street, change direction, or go to a public place where others are present.
 * If a person confronts you and demands your money or possessions, give what is demanded and create a safe distance.
 * Keep alert. Don't let a conversation on your cell phone or the use of headphones make you unaware of your surroundings.
 * Use caution when using Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). Select one located in a busy, well-lighted area. Plan ahead so you are not forced to find a machine in an unfamiliar part of town.

"Street-Smarts" -- A Guide To Street Safety!

 * Be aware of your surroundings at all times and stay in well-lit areas. Walk mid-point between curbs and buildings and stay away from alleys or less traveled areas.
 * Stay near people. Avoid shortcuts through parks, vacant lots and deserted places.
 * Carry only necessary credit cards and money and avoid using ATM machines when alone and at night.
 * Walk with someone you know whenever possible.
 * If someone is following you on foot, cross the street, change directions or vary your pace.
 * If someone is following you in a car, turn around and walk in the opposite direction. If that person persists, record the license number and call the Police immediately. Get to an area where there are other people around.
 * Don't stop to give directions or other information to strangers.
 * Use the "buddy system." Students should do things with a BUDDY! A buddy can be Mom, Dad, a friend, a sibling, etc. Ride bikes with a buddy, walk down the street with a buddy, go to the park with a buddy---it is always safer to be with a buddy.
 * If you must carry a purse or handbag, keep it close to your body to minimize the chances of theft. If your purse or wallet is "snatched", don't fight. Turn it over rather than risk personal injury and report the incident as soon as possible.
 * Look aware, look confident and walk briskly.
 * If confronted, make a scene, and make lots of noise to draw attention to yourself and the other person.
 * Wear sneakers or other comfortable shoes.
 * Carry a personal protection alarm on your key chain and make sure you know how to use it.
 * DO NOT wear a personal stereo system or play music so loudly that you are not aware of your surroundings.
 * Learn where the emergency telephones and call boxes are located on campus.
 * And please remember that ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS adversely affect your chances of evading an attack. Stay sober, stay alert!
 * Learn about and USE public transportation such as WRTA buses.

Public Transportation

 * Avoid isolated bus or train stops and times when few other people are around.
 * Keep your belongings on your lap if possible.
 * Travel in groups and avoid traveling alone if possible.

Home, Apartment, or Residence Hall

 * Lock your door, even if you are leaving just for a few minutes. Do not prop open doors, even for your own or a friend's convenience. When you leave, be sure to lock your windows as well.
 * Before you leave for a vacation, stop newspaper delivery, set your phone to ring on the lowest volume.
 * Don't admit strangers into your building, apartment or room. Try to confirm a visitor's identity before opening a door or allowing access to a building. Don't allow a visitor access unless you are certain who it is.

Van and Bus Safety

 * Carry a schedule and know what route you will be taking.
 * After dark, arrive just before the bus is due.
 * Sit at the front or near others on the bus.
 * If you are being bothered, tell the driver.

Car Safety and Security Tips

 * Always pay attention to your surroundings and any activity near your car.
 * Have your key ready as you approach your vehicle. Check the door locks, door handles, and the rear seat before entering.
 * If someone appears to be "hanging around" near your car, keep walking until they leave.
 * Keep your valuables out of direct sight or in the trunk.
 * Do not put personal information on your key chain.
 * Well-lit, busy places are the best places to park. If you have to park in a poorly lit area, or have to walk some distance to and from the car, have someone walk with you if possible.

When You’re In Your Car

 * Keep your doors and windows locked. Roll down your windows far enough so you can get fresh air, but no one can reach into the car.
 * Notice the surrounding areas and travel well-lit, busy streets.
 * Don't pick up hitchhikers.
 * People like to help others. Don't stop to assist broken down vehicles. Drive to the nearest phone and report the circumstances to the Police.
 * If your car breaks down, stay inside with the window up, the doors locked and the hood down. If someone stops and offers help, stay in the car, roll down the window a few inches and ask the person to call help for you.
 * If you feel you are being followed, drive safely to a well-lit, occupied area such as a 24-hour gas station or grocery store, or better yet, a Police or Fire station.
 * We recommend you don't use drive-up ATM machines, especially if you are alone. If you do, pay attention to your surroundings.
 * Carry a large, brightly colored "HELP, call Police" sign in your car for emergencies.
 * If you are "rear-ended" by another vehicle, motion for the driver to follow you to a public place. "Bump and Rob" artists stage such accidents to lure unsuspecting drivers out of their cars to rob them of their wallet or purse. If the driver won't follow you, obtain as thorough description of the vehicle as you can and report the incident to the Police.

Dealing With Obscene or Annoying Phone Calls

 * HANG UP as soon as you hear an obscenity, improper question or no response. It may take the caller seven or eight times to get the message, but if you are consistent and hang up each and every time, they usually stop calling. Hang up normally, without slamming down the receiver. You don't want the caller to know he or she succeeded in making you upset.
 * Report calls that are threatening in any way to the Police and the telephone-company and ask about tracing calls or getting an unlisted number.
 * Make detailed notes of times, numbers, dates, etc, in case the calls continue and criminal charges are filed.
 * Be careful if the caller states he or she is taking a survey. Even if you feel it is legitimate, ask for the person’s name, number and company and tell them you will call back after you verify the authenticity of the survey.
 * Never extend the call in an attempt to figure out who may be calling. People who make these calls are looking for that reaction. They want you to stay on the line.
 * The local phone company can provide "Return call services" such as *69, which can be useful if you are receiving harassing phone calls. Contact your local phone company for more information.
 * Lastly, DO NOT give your phone number out to people you do not consider close friends and associates. Many times, stores will ask you for your address and phone number for their computer files. Don't provide it, especially when there are others behind you and around you that can easily listen in and obtain this information.

Protecting Your Personal Property

 * Keep a photographic record of your possessions. Write down the date and place of purchase along with the model number and most importantly, the serial number. This information can be placed on the back of each photo. Store the photos and information in a safe place.
 * If you must have valuable items such as jewelry and other collections, make arrangements to keep them in a safe deposit box.
 * • Make sure your car is always locked with no valuables left in view. Use an anti-theft device such as the club or an alarm system.
 * If you have to store your bike outside, use a high quality lock and lock it to an immovable object.
 * Consider registering your bike with the National Bike Registry. This is a free service. Please take advantage of it!
 * Make copies of all your credit card numbers and ID cards and keep them in a safe place.

Computer Laptop Security

 * Always use an anti-theft device. Portable locking devices and motion sensor alarms are fairly inexpensive and easy to use. Locking devices are sold at the computer store and the campus bookstore.
 * Never leave your laptop in open view in your car. Lock it in your trunk. Save a copy of your purchase receipt. Copy the serial number and description of your laptop.
 * Carry your laptop in an unassuming, well-padded bag. This avoids the unwanted attention a traditional laptop bag or fancy leather briefcase can generate.
 * Never leave your laptop unattended in a public place, including your office.
 * Secure it to your desk at all times, or lock it in a drawer or “lock-box” even if you leave for a moment. Never leave it unattended anywhere, including residential facilities.
 * Never put your laptop on the airport security x-ray machine belt before you have a clear path to the end of the belt. Students should always lock their laptops! The numerous, easy access, open areas on campus: residences, library, student center, etc. too often lead to crimes of opportunity!
 * Back up all irreplaceable information daily. Remember, it’s not just the loss of the laptop...what about all the hard work and important information that could be lost or stolen?
 * Don’t forget to secure all other products associated with your laptop: batteries, power cords, cables, external drives, LCD projectors, etc.
 * Be aware of activity that appears suspicious. Don’t leave entry doors at residence halls propped open, or offices unsecured even when leaving for a very brief moment.
 * Most of thefts are "crimes of opportunity." Work together...if you lock your door, but your roommate or office partner doesn’t, the opportunity for theft still exists.

ATM Safety
Here are some tips which may make using ATM’s safer:
 * Lock your car when using the ATM and keep your keys handy so that you can gain entrance to your car quickly after completing your transaction.
 * Be alert for anything suspicious especially if there is no one else at the ATM (i.e., two or more people in a nearby car; someone who just appears to be hanging around).
 * Leave the area immediately if you feel something is wrong. Go and use another ATM.
 * Stay well behind the person or persons using the ATM in front of you.
 * If someone behind you is too close, ask him or her to step back a few steps. If they don't, it is best to cancel your transaction and wait in your locked vehicle until that person leaves or go to another ATM.
 * Before approaching the ATM, have your card ready, know your code, and have your deposit envelope filled out.
 * Keep your code secure. Do NOT write it on your ATM card.
 * Block the view of others by standing in front of the ATM. You don’t want anyone to see your code, or the type of transaction you make.
 * Have a friend go with you to an ATM if you must use one after dark.
 * If you're going to a drive-up ATM, keep all the windows closed except the one you are using. Keep the doors locked, car running and your eyes moving, watching the front, sides, and rear area. If you see someone approach your car on foot, cancel the transaction and leave.
 * After you have finished your transaction, immediately take your card, receipt, money, etc. and place them in your purse or pocket and leave immediately. Counting your money can wait.
 * If you feel someone is following you as you leave the ATM, walk or drive to the closest open business and call the police.
 * Report all ATM crimes to the police and the financial institution.

Identity Theft
In a technological world, identity theft is a growing crime. Here are some fundamental tips for office and home from the Federal Trade Commission to reduce our exposure to identity theft. While nothing will protect us completely, we can employ some measures to minimize our risks of identity theft.
 * Deposit all outgoing mail in mailboxes or in the mailing slots at your local post office. Before you leave on vacation, call or visit your post office and request that your mail be held until your return.
 * Give out your Social Security number only when absolutely necessary.
 * Keep all your personal and account information in a safe place, preferably a locked drawer or cabinet in your house.
 * Shred credit card offers, health insurance statements, and anything else containing your Social Security number before discarding them.
 * Never write your PIN (personal identification number) on the back of your card or on a piece of paper in your handbag or wallet.
 * Do not choose a PIN that uses digits from your birth date, Social Security number, telephone number, or street address.
 * Carry only the credit cards you think you will need on a given day. Keep them separate from your wallet.
 * Keep a record of all your account numbers, expiration dates, and the phone number of each credit card issuer in a secure place at home for quick reference in case of loss or theft.
 * When using your credit card to make a purchase, keep an eye on the clerk during the transaction and get the card back immediately with any credit card carbons. Destroy the carbons.
 * When you make an online purchase, be sure you are in a secure section of the Web site; the http://address should change to https:// (the "s" stands for secure), and a lock or key symbol should appear in a lower corner of the Web page.
 * Save your receipts. When your statement comes, open it promptly and compare the two. If there is a charge you know you did not make, immediately contact the card issuer and follow up in writing to their billing inquiries address.
 * Sign your new or replacement card as soon as you receive it. Cut up the old card so that the numbers cannot be read.
 * Never write your account number on the outside of the payment envelope.
 * Never give your account number over the phone unless you were the one who initiated the call to make a purchase and you are sure the company is reputable.
 * Every year, order a copy of your credit report (about $9) from all three major credit-reporting agencies to make sure it is accurate. Their phone numbers and addresses are listed at the FTC's Web Site (www.consumer.gov/idtheft) and linked to the Identify Theft Resource Center Web site, www.idtheftcenter.org. Both sites also offer helpful resources for victims and for those who want to avoid becoming victims.

Internet Safety
Keeping yourself safe

Just as in 'real' life, there are some simple rules you can follow to make sure that you stay safe online. The following websites suggest some of the things that you can do stay safe:


 * iSafe (we use teaching materials from iSafe in our Worcester Academy Middle School computer and health classes) - Information for kids, teens, parents and educators. (www.isafe.org)
 * KidSmartz - sections for kids, teens and parents. (http://www.netsmartz.org)
 * SafeTeens - "No preaching, just good advice" (http://www.safeteens.com)
 * WiredSafety - "a cyber-911, providing help with any issue that impacts the safety and well-being of children, tweens and teens online. Its expertise extends to all interactive technologies, not just the Internet itself." (http://www.wiredsafety.org)
 * GetNetWise - information on a wide variety of topics including: personal safety; avoiding spam, viruses, and hackers; and keeping your personal information private. Sorted by age, kinds of risk and kinds of technology. (http://www.getnetwise.org)
 * To Catch a Predator III - An MSNBC website with articles and video from their TV show about online predators. Also includes links to other sites with information about Internet safety. (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10912603)
 * The Danger Online - A short news article with a link to a related video. (Requires Windows Media Player.) (http://www.9news.com/acm_news.aspx?OSGNAME=KUSA&IKOBJECTID=162c5e78-0abe-421a-005a-9e3dd008b62d&TEMPLATEID=0c76dce6-ac1f-02d8-0047-c589c01ca7bf)

Keeping your Computer Safe

 * Computer security (http://www.internet-safety.org/computer_security.htm)
 * An introduction to computer viruses. A guide from Microsoft. Includes links to information on how to protect your machine. (http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/viruses/intro_viruses_what.mspx)
 * Safe downloading (http://www.learnthenet.com/english/html/101download.htm)
 * File sharing - evaluate the risks (http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/tips/ST05-007.html)
 * Cyber security tips Information on a wide variety of security-related topics. (http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/tips/)

Warnings about computer viruses are often hoaxes. Before you forward a warning on to everyone in your address book, check one of the following sites:
 * Snopes (a great source of information on all kinds of urban legends.) (http://www.snopes.com/computer/virus/virus.asp)
 * Hoaxbusters For information on virus hoaxes and chain letters (http://hoaxbusters.ciac.org/)
 * The website for your virus protection software (Symantec, for example, http://www.symantec.com/security_response/index.jsp.).

Using the Internet for school work

 * Why we need to evaluate what we find on the Internet - originally published in 1996, but still valid.
 * The 5 W's of website evaluation (http://kathyschrock.net/abceval/5ws.htm)
 * 5 Criteria for evaluating Web pages (from Cornell University) (http://www.library.cornell.edu/olinuris/ref/webcrit.html)
 * Critical evaluation of a website: secondary level (http://school.discovery.com/schrockguide/evalhigh.html) and Middle School (http://school.discovery.com/schrockguide/evalmidd.html) level
 * What is it with Wikipedia? (BBC news article) (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4534712.stm) Is Wikipedia a good source of information for your school projects?
 * Copyright Kids - A nice simple explanation, with a quiz to see if you got it! (http://www.copyrightkids.org/)

Blogging
There have been many news articles recently about the dangers of blogging, and on the dangers of MySpace in particular. Blogs can be great - IF you know how to use them properly.


 * The promise and perils of blogging (pdf file from iSafe) (http://webserver.worcesteracademy.org/computer/blogging.pdf)
 * Blogsafety Lots of good advice for teens and their parents. (http://www.blogsafety.com/forum.jspa?forumID=1100000006)
 * A sample MySpace profile with TMI (too much information) (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12210237/?GT1=7938)
 * How to make a MySpace profile private (http://askbobrankin.com/private_myspace_profile.html)
 * Could your online profile affect your future? (http://www.tuftsdaily.com/home/index.cfm?event=displayArticle&uStory_id=56f979cd-df33-4dd5-b51a-6c9f9c6ee264)
 * MySpace Invader a 3 page MSNBC news article (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12242009/)
 * An ABC news video with advice about what to include (or not) in your blog. If you have a slow Internet connection, this written article is similar in content. (http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=1519870 or http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/Technology/story?id=1519220)

What do you know?

 * PBS Kids weblicence (for elementary school age kids, basic Internet skills and safety) (http://pbskids.org/license/)
 * The Quality Information Checklist quiz (Website evaluation skills)
 * Questions about copyright - how many do you know the answer to? (http://www.cyberbee.com/cb_copyright.swf)
 * 18 different quizzes on topics such as buying things online, how to avoid spam, phishing, IM safety and more. (http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/quiz/default.mspx)
 * The netiquette quiz (http://www.onlinenetiquette.com/netiquette_quiz.html)

For Parents

 * A parents guide to Internet safety from the FBI (http://www.onlinenetiquette.com/netiquette_quiz.html)
 * 10 things every parent should know. (From Staysafe.org) (http://www.staysafe.org/parents/ten_things/index.html)
 * KidsHealth parenting advice on Internet safety (http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/family/net_safety.html)
 * Parental controls and Internet filters - why they don't always work. (From Cyberangels - (http://www.cyberangels.org/parental_controls.html)
 * Why parents must mind MySpace (MSNBC article) (http://msnbc.msn.com/id/11064451)
 * Testing the Bounds of MySpace - one mother's experience
 * MySpace guide: (http://www.wiredsafety.org/internet101/myspaceguide.html)
 * MySpace safety tips: (http://askbobrankin.com/myspace_safety_tips.html)
 * A parents guide to cyberbullying (from the Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use) (http://www.csriu.org/cyberbullying/docs/cbctparents.pdf)
 * I can't see you, you can't see me - why communicating online might lead to bullying. (from CSRIU) (http://www.csriu.org/cyberbullying/docs/disinhibition.pdf)
 * Teaching Zack to think, "If it's on the Internet, it's true." (http://novemberlearning.com/default.aspx?tabid=159&type=art&site=19&parentid=18)