Personal safety on campus

General safety

• Recognise potentially dangerous situations before they develop
• Assess the risks and have a safety plan - think about what you would do if you felt threatened
• Carry a personal alarm, or be prepared to scream or shout loudly if attacked.
• Respect your intuition. Do not allow rationality to override your 'sixth sense' - it could save you from danger
• Consider taking a self-defence course; for details of courses contact Campus Security
• When you are socialising, do not drink too much alcohol; keeping a clear head makes it easier to make decisions regarding personal safety
• If assaulted on campus, report the incident to Campus Security.

Taking public transport

• Know your timetables to avoid long waits
• Keep to open, populated areas while waiting in full view of bus or train
• Avoid empty carriages and, where possible, take an aisle seat
• Phone for taxis rather than hailing them; sit in the back on the opposite side from the driver and do not disclose personal information.

Property

• Never leave your wallet, bag, purse, or other items of property unsecured or unattended
• Only carry cash for your immediate needs
• Clearly mark your property
• Never carry your Personal Identification Number (PIN) with your credit cards; never tell anyone, including a bank representative, what your PIN is
• Never let anyone see your PIN when entering it on an Automatic Teller Machine; always carry your bag or purse close to you
• Do not put your bag or purse on the floor when in a public toilet cubicle
• Do not leave keys, cash or other valuables in your desk drawers
• Lock your car and the office when you leave it
• Report all theft to Campus Security
• Lost and found property may be checked by contacting Campus Security.

In your car

• Park in a well-lit, busy area; make sure your surroundings are safe before getting out of your car
• Do not leave valuables in your car
• Always lock your car securely, close the windows, and lock the boot
• Walk confidently to or from your car with your keys held ready to open the door or to be used to defend yourself
• Check the back seat or hatch for intruders before getting into your car
• Once inside, lock all doors and if possible leave windows up until you have reached your destination
• If a passing motorist indicates that you should stop, keep driving to a service station. If you decide to stop, stay in the car with the doors locked and the window partly open to speak through. Driveaway if you feel threatened.

Out walking

• Avoid lonely places, especially at night, walk only on lit walkways away from shrubs and trees, and do not take shortcuts.
• Be alert and walk purposefully - confidence deters attackers. Walk with a friend or stay with a group.
• Be wary of strangers, on foot or in cars, asking directions - it is better to be rude than in danger.
• If someone follows you, change direction and go to a place where there are other people.
• If you feel unsafe anywhere, anytime, contact Campus Security on (09) 968 8700 and request a security escort.

Fire

• Close all doors  and activate fire alarm.
• Call 111 as you evacuate - ask for  'Fire', give your exact location and details of the emergency.
• Leave lights on, ensure major equipment is switched off and report to your Building Warden at the assembly area.
• Only use extinguishers if you are trained, accompanied, the alarm has been activate, and it is safe to do so.

If you hear  the fire alarm:

• Go to the assembly area via the nearest safe marked exit.
• Close doors, leave lights on, and if safe to do so, ensure major equipment is switched off.
• Use stairs not lifts, walk, do not run.
• Follow the instructions of the Wardens.
• Do not go back inside, until the all clear is given.
• Inform Campus Security on (09) 968 8700.

If you have a disability:

• Let your lecturer know you need help, they will show you which exit will be used for evacuation. For example; Level 3 of South exit stairs at Manukau Campus.
• The lecturer will ensure the Building Warden is aware of your location.
• Wait for the Evacuation Team to get you, do not let anyone else lift you down the stairs.

If you have a disability and want to be registered in our evacuation list, contact the Disability Support Services at 09 968 7668 or disability@manukau.ac.nz