Authenticating...
By: Communications
As the nights continue to draw in and there are likely to be fewer people out and about as many students leave campus during the winter break, it’s worth taking a moment to think about simple steps you can take to look out for yourself and others.
The Security Team have highlighted some sensible precautions and tips to help keep you and your friends safe.
On a night out:
It’s always best to stay in a group, it means you can keep an eye on each other. You’re more likely to get into trouble if you wander off from your group. By remaining close to the people you trust and know well, you’ll reduce the risk of being targeted by people who are up to no good and could be out to take advantage.
Make sure your mobile phone is charged.
Consider setting up a WhatsApp group for the night and then if anyone does go it alone, you can message or call them, but never leave the rest of your group on your own to find someone.
Most of us enjoy a few pre-drinks before going out, but too many pre-drinks are a risk. Especially if you’re not in control of your measures.
Eat first – Drinking on an empty stomach can cause you to pass out and eating first helps you to absorb alcohol less quickly, which means you won’t get drunk as fast.
Keep hydrated! – Mixing soft drinks into your night will help stop you becoming drunk (and minimise your chances of having a hangover). Did you know that any bar, club or restaurant that has an alcohol licence, has to give you tap water for free, by law?
Trust your instincts – If you feel unsafe, act on that feeling. Some venues operate support initiatives such as Ask Angela, so you can approach staff for support.
To stay safe:
Avoid drinks you didn’t see being poured.
Never leave drinks unattended.
Never accept a drink from a stranger or someone you don’t trust.
Drinking from a bottle? Keep your thumb over the top of the bottle between sips.
If you feel ill, slightly drunk or wasted when you know you shouldn’t, your drink could have been spiked. If so, tell someone you trust and get to a safe place
If there is a fight or an argument, think twice about stepping in. Usually the best option is to stay out of it and get help from Security or the police.
Remember that you’re an adult, and your instincts will usually be accurate if something doesn’t feel right. Even if you can’t pinpoint why, talk to your mates and walk away from the situation. You shouldn’t let yourself get into uncomfortable situations, and if you do, don’t feel awkward, just leave.
Make yourself familiar with the campus and area. Pick up a map and have bus timetables. Carry the numbers of reliable taxi firms.
Store the number for security control in your phone – 01603 592352 and for emergencies 01603 592222.
Consider downloading the Safezone app – UEA utilises Critical Arc and is an important safety net for staff and students while on campus.
Secure your room and flat. Make sure you have your room key with you (but don’t hang a tab identifying where you live on the keyring)
Be aware of ‘flashing cash’ or highly valuable assets.
Tips for making people feel safer on the streets:
Keep your distance - When walking behind someone, particularly at night, try to leave a good amount of distance between yourself and the person ahead of you. Remember that the closer you are, the more threatening you might seem.
Don’t stare - A stranger staring at you can be intimidating and unsettling. Focus on something else to show you’re not a threat. Look out of the window, message a friend, or read a book or newspaper.
Cross the road - Somebody running up behind you, particularly at night, can be frightening. If you’re out for an evening run, or walk, and see someone walking ahead, cross the road, call out to let them know you’re about to run by them or make sure to leave a good amount of space when you pass them.
Keep comments to yourself - What you might think of as just a bit of fun, or flattery, can be insulting, upsetting or even scary to someone else. Keep any comments or opinions to yourself.
Keep your friends in line - If you're in a group of people where someone is harassing another person on the street, try to calm the situation. They may just need to be told that they're behaving inappropriately.
Be an active bystander - If you notice someone is uncomfortable with another person's behaviour, show your support by being an active bystander. It can be as simple as standing between a person and their harasser to block their line of sight. Ask that person if they need any help, and back up anyone else who is intervening.
Where possible keep to well-lit and populated streets and areas.
Report all incidents to UEA Security (phone numbers below) or Report and Support.
Share these tips - Sharing these tips with other people can go a long way towards making us all feel safer on the streets.
If you haven’t already, make sure you have downloaded the Safezone app and stored the numbers for security control on your phone – 01603 592352 and for emergencies - 01603 592222.
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