- Let someone know where you are going (roommate, best friend) or leave a note and remember to call that individual if there is a change in plans. Being out of touch can result in your being inaccessible during an emergency (ex: fire in your residence, critical illness of a family member) or can cost precious time if you become involved in a serious predicament of your own.
- When selecting a designated driver, select your designated buddy -- an individual you trust. Many times a great buddy can help prevent a great misadventure.
- Making new friends at college is part of the college experience. However, attending any social function in an unfamiliar area (not knowing exactly where you are) with people you've never met previously or know little about is high personal risk behavior.
- Be aware of your own personal risk factors. (For example, cold medicine and alcohol have contraindications.)
- NEVER leave your drink unattended. NEVER accept an open container. NEVER let someone else mix your drink. One of the newest drugs on the illegal drug market called "roofies" or "the new date rape drug" is showing up in the college-age population throughout the US. The drug can be slipped into a drink, is tasteless and odorless and renders the victim unconscious -- unable to get help - unable, oftentimes, to remember details. The side affects from this drug mixed with alcohol can be fatal.
- Nice looking/acting people can do bad things. Leaving a social function with someone you've just met to go outside for air, someplace quiet to get to know each other better or for coffee are high risk behaviors. Get a full name and background information such as place of employment, school being attended -- anything that could identify the individual later, if you had to do so. Trying to locate" Mac, who works with computers" when that's all that is known by a victim makes immediate apprehension by authorities difficult.
- Never leave an intoxicated friend to fend for himself/herself. Stay with them. Letting him/her "sleep it off" can end up in tragedy.
- In any possible life-threatening situation call 911 if you are off campus and 843.953.5611 for our Campus Police.
Last modified on March 29, 2011
by bowenm
