In light of the Las Vegas mass shooting on Oct. 1, Fresno State released a video on social media with nine safety tips from Fresno State Police Chief David Huerta.
“You’re in charge of your own safety,” Huerta said.
From the point of a call to police to the arrival of officers, Huerta said, the caller must take responsibility for maintaining his or her own safety.
With police on their way, Huerta says these nine tips could ensure a person’s safety:
- Have a mental plan. Think about what you would do if something happened. Where would you go first? How can you let your family know you’re safe?
- See something, say something and do something. Huerta said if you second guess anything and if the hair on your neck stands up, consider calling the police. There is a reason why a particular action caught your eye.
- Use the blue call towers on campus for emergencies and even non-emergencies. It is a form of communication with campus police dispatchers, and you are “generally safe” at the towers, Huerta said.
- Call “Tip Now” at 559-664-3204, to make a safe and confidential report. Huerta said the report will be prioritized and investigated immediately.
- Everyone should have the Fresno State Police phone number, 559-278-8400, in their phone. But Huerta forewarns, it will take time for the officer to arrive to your location.
- Don’t travel alone. “Buddy up with someone” when walking somewhere at night time, Huerta said. He encourages students to ask a friend or others leaving in the same direction to walk with them.
- While walking alone, day or night, don’t watch your phone. You should watch your surroundings, Huerta said.
- Plan on on how to get from Point A to Point B. Keep your car keys in hand and focus on your destination. “Get in your car, lock the doors, start the engine and then go about other business,” Huerta said.
- Lastly, but not least, you can call campus police, at 559-278-8400, to escort you to your car. “That’s what we’re here for,” Huerta said. It may take a few minutes to get to the caller, but be patient.
Overall, “Fresno State is a very safe campus,” Huerta said, but anything can happen anywhere at anytime.
His final message: “Don’t risk it.”
The phone number in tip nine has been corrected from559-274-8400 to 559-278-8400.