External Link: Student Safety and Community Living website 
A new Queen's University site that addresses different safety issues relevant to students by providing  information, links & resources in four different areas (at home, on campus, online, and personal safety)

How to Report Exterior Lights that are out on Campus

Members of the University community are encouraged to report any exterior lights on campus not properly functioning. 

Just send an e-mail with a detailed description and location of the light (the location relative to a building, roadway or walkway is helpful) to Fixit at Queen's Physical Plant Services -The address is fixit@post.queensu.ca .

Safety of our Campus is everyone's responsibility.

Information About "Date Rape" Drugs

Watch Your Drink for Substances Commonly Used to Facilitate Sexual Assault

In recent years a new kind of rape threat has reared it's ugly head at parties, on campuses and in nightclubs - so called "predator" or "date rape" drugs. What exactly are date rape drugs? Technically speaking, any substance that renders you incapable of saying no or asserting yourself and your needs can be used to commit rape.

To protect yourself always follow these simple rules:

1. Don't accept open drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) from others who you do not know or do not trust; this includes drinks that come in a glass.
2. When in bars or clubs always get your drink directly from the bartender and do not take your eyes off the bartender or your order; don't use the waitress or let somebody go to the bar for you.
3. At parties, only accept drinks in close containers: bottles, cans or tetra packs.
4. Never leave your drink unattended or turn your back on your table.
5. Do not drink from open beverage sources like punch bowls, pitchers or tubs.
6. Keep your eyes and ears open; if there is talk of date rape drugs or if friends seem "too intoxicated" for what they have taken, leave the party or club immediately and don't go back! 

There are many types of "date rape" drugs, including Ketamine, Rohypnol and GHB.  Students are advised to take steps to minimize the chances of becoming a victim of these drugs: always go out with trusted friends, never leave your drink unattended, and don't accept drinks from people you don't know.  

- Safety tips/rules source: about.com.

Tips to Protect Against "Smash & Grab" Thefts

Campus Security has seen a significant rise in window entry type break ins - "smash and grab" style break, enter, and thefts. 

Laptop computers are the usual target of choice. These thefts have occurred in offices, libraries, Residence rooms, and homes. The break, enter, and theft takes place within a matter of seconds and even intrusion alarm systems on their own may not provide sufficient protection against this type of opportunity crime. 

Campus Security offers the following advice to increase your level of protection: 

• Inspect your area for locations where laptop computers or other expensive types of equipment are visible from ground floor exterior windows or interior hallway windows. Install curtains, blinds, or other window coverings to hide valuables from open view. Look for areas where your physical security may be deficient and take measures to correct these deficiencies.

• Instruct office workers with laptop computers to disconnect them each evening and lock them in a secure location such as a filing cabinet with a lock.

• Close and lock your door when your office, work area, Residence room or home is left unoccupied. Keep your keys on you at all times. 

• Computers owned by the university should be indelibly marked in an obvious location as "Queen's University, 'YOUR DEPARTMENT' ". Use an indelible marker or an electric scribe (the later is available for sign out at Campus Security at no charge). This makes it very difficult to sell the computer on the street. 

• Record and keep in a secure location the make, model, serial number, and original cost of your computer. 

• Back up your data frequently. Consult with your departmental IT representative to determine the method best for you.

• If you are considering a new computer purchase, determine if you actually need a laptop computer. The size, portability, and additional value of a laptop computer is what makes them so attractive to thieves. 

• Report suspicious individuals promptly to Campus Security's Emergency Report Centre at 613-533-6111.

Other Safety Tips

• Remain Alert, both on Queen's property or off campus.

• Trust your intuition and act on it. If you feel uncomfortable, there is a reason for it. Make your feelings known.

• Familiarize yourself with your surroundings, especially phone locations, designated emergency exits, and other possible avenues for help.

• Make your concerns about campus safety known: to students, to profs, to your colleagues, to the administration, and to Queen's Campus Security (613-533-6733).

Working on Campus

• Do not leave items unattended for any length of time. Lock your room or office when leaving it, even for a few minutes.

• Try to work with another person if you are staying past regular hours.

• If you are uncomfortable working alone, keep your door locked. Inform Campus Security where you are working,

  Lock Up Your Bicycle Tips for locking your bike on Campus and more related information

   what time you expect to leave, and call them when you leave. Security can check on you.

• When you leave, consider calling the Walkhome Service (613-533-WALK) to walk you home, or Campus Security (613-533-6080) to escort you across campus.

• If you see someone acting in a suspicious manner, report it to Campus Security by calling 613-533-6080 or by using one of the Queen's Campus emergency or security phones. This can discourage those who would violate the rights of others and yourself.

Report all broken locks, windows and doors to Fix-It (613-533-6000, ext. 77301).

• Consider arranging to walk with a friend or contacting the Queen's AMS Walkhome Service (613-533-WALK) or Campus Security (613-533-6080) rather than walking alone.

• Plan your route and avoid shortcuts and unlit areas. Campus lighting has been and continues to be upgraded, and  emergency phones have been installed to create faster emergency access.

• Familiarize yourself with the locations of the emergency phones along your routes, and if a situation causes you to feel fear or concern, use them.  A map of E-phone locations is available for viewing or download on our Campus Phones web page.

• Do not prop the buildings’ doors open.

• Do not leave your room door unlocked when you are away, sleeping or even in the shower.

• Do not give strangers access to the building. If they are legitimate visitors, they can call their host to let them in.

• Purchase small safe or locked filing cabinet to secure valuables.

• Consider calling Queen's Campus Security (613-533-6733) to walk you to your car.  

• Lock your car when leaving it and lock your car upon entering it.  

• Have your keys ready so that you do not need to linger before entering your car. 

• Check your car before entering to ensure that no one is hiding in the back seat.

• Lock your door even when at home. Individuals with questionable intentions have been known to wander into residences in spite of people being present.

• Avoid putting your first name on your mailbox and on correspondence - use your first initial instead.

• Consider leaving your outdoor lights on at night in order to eliminate dark areas in your neighbourhood; this will likely increase your monthly utility bill by $1-$2.

• When renting a phone, use your first initial for the Kingston phone book. You also have the option during registration of not listing your name in the Who's Where. 

Suggestions for Scheduled Power Outages, "Rolling Black Outs" or Storm Warnings that may interrupt power on Campus:

- Reduce unnecessary electrical consumption where possible.

- Review contingency plans in the event of a power blackout. Lessons learned during the August 2003 blackout should be reviewed and implemented in the event of another power loss. Ensure any emergency contact lists for your department or area have current information including up to date names and telephone numbers.

- Ensure battery and emergency power back-ups are maintained and in proper working condition. Intrusion alarm systems with batteries over three years old or that were not replaced following the August 2003 blackout should be replaced. Contact your alarm installer to arrange this and consider replacing the existing battery with a higher amp/hour rating to ensure effective operation of the alarm system for an extended period.

- In event of power outage, turn off equipment which might be damaged when power is restored. Ensure all appliances have been turned off before leaving for the day (i.e. coffee makers, kettles, stoves, etc).

- Make note of the university's emergency status hot line number at 533-3333. This number will be used to communicate important information on the status of the university during or immediately following a power outage or other emergency condition.

- Also consider what emergency supplies you need to have at home: i.e. flashlight, battery operated radio, spare batteries, additional water, food, etc.

Important Links: 

Physical Plant Services | http://www.queensu.ca/pps/

Environmental Health & Safety: http://www.safety.queensu.ca/

Personal Information and Scams Protection: A Student Practical Guide

This guide has been designed by a student for students in partnership with the RCMP Commercial Crime Branch and the University of Ottawa.

Click here to view the article (available online or as a pdf)

Other Safety Tips and  Information:

Bomb Threat Assessment (RCMP link)

How to Gain Control in an Abduction Attempt