Sorority recruitment is a tough time, its both exhilarating and terrifying, and frankly it consumes your whole world for that week. The hours are long and the choices are difficult. A Potential New Member is in essence deciding what will shape her college experience and possibly past that, all off talking with women for roughly two hours. Clearly this experience can cause physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion for all parties involved but it’s important to keep one thing forefront in your mind, your safety.
Something so easily forgotten can cause a big issue and put you in tons of danger. That’s why it’s so important to remember some important safety tips when you’re going through this process and even after that. These tips will help you stay safe and help others no matter where you go.
Be aware of your surrounding
I can’t stress how important it is to check around you when you’re out and about. You may be on your phone walking down the street but just giving a little look up and checking behind you and to the sides can help make sure nobody is following you. This simple look up and not focusing on your phone while you walk can deter a would be criminal from sneaking up on you while you walk.
Check your car before you get in
A lot of people seem to not know this but its wise to, before you get in your car, to walk around it as well as check the backseat before you get it. It’d be very easy for someone to hide behind your back seat and attack you while you drive. With that, try to park in well lit areas that have a lot of people in them, picking the desolate spot may seem like a good idea in the daytime but at night you put yourself in so much danger.
Know what you can and can't use as self defense on campus
The campus has strict laws on what you can carry and what you cant so it’s important for you to know so that you don’t get in trouble later on. For instance you can have Mace or Pepper Spray but they have to be a smaller bottle and nothing large. Just knowing what’s allowed and what’s not will save you in the aftermath of an attack when you’re dealing with the police.
Research up on the different safety steps on campus or in your area
Knowing what the area you’re in has to offer safety wise can help you prevent danger but also save you in a time of crisis. FSU’s Blue Light Trail is a perfect example, while yes you can use it for directions, it can be pushed and immediately call the police and if you push one and then the other nearby, the police can track where you’re running to. Along with the trail, FSU offers safe rides, buses, and trips back to your residence to help you get home safely. I recommend checking the link out at the bottom to find out more info about the different options.
In emergencies, always remember your safety comes first
Its second nature to try and save someone if there’s trouble, however sometimes the best course of action is to save yourself. Along with the airplane analogy, you’re no help to others if you die. I know this may seem tough but in the long run, you’ll be able to call 911 or get help faster for those who need it if you are okay.
Most of these are just common sense rules but they can really make or break you in a time of need. So remember the tips and stay safe!
Safe options on campus:
https://transportation.fsu.edu/options
http://its.fsu.edu/Public-Safety/Emergency-Blue-Light-Telephones-EBLT
