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Safety in the Residence Halls

The residence halls at the University of Delaware are equipped with a variety of security and fire safety devices that make our buildings a relatively safe place to live. Access cards, door alarms, door locks, ground level security screens, smoke detectors and sprinklers all provide a high level of safety for our residents. However, the most important safety asset at the University is our students who utilize the tools they are provided to keep themselves and their belongings safe. Residents must learn that they are no longer living in a single family home or apartment building – their actions affect not only themselves but all the other residents in their building. By making the following safety and security procedures part of their daily routine, our residents improve the safety of their building and the entire University campus.

Click here for more information regarding University of Delaware’s Missing Student Policy

Do not carry your room key, Access Card and ID in the same case.
Never lend your key, ID card or Access Card to anyone.
Lock the door to your room when you leave or are sleeping. Nearly all reported burglaries of residence hall rooms involve unlocked doors.
Always be alert and aware of your surroundings. Don’t be absorbed in your cell phone conversation or music. Show a confident attitude.
Always escort your guests at all times.
Don't allow strangers to enter the building with you. If an unauthorized person pushes past you or follows you in the door, immediately inform a Residence Life staff member or the police (911).
If you see an unfamiliar face in your residence hall, ask for identification and information about their business. Or contact a Residence Life staff member or police (911). If necessary, ask another student to accompany you when you speak to an unescorted visitor.
Do not tamper with security screens, except in the case of an emergency.
Immediately report all lost or stolen keys and access cards to University Police or Residence Life staff.
Report all thefts and any suspicious activity to Residence Life staff and police (911).
As you travel around campus be sure to follow all highway safety and railroad crossing regulations.
Be aware of campus crime trends. Read all UD-alerts related to crime activity on or near campus, read the "Police Report" in The Review and check Public Safety's Daily Crime Update.
Immediately report all security-related maintenance problems to the Facilities Operations Center (831-1141). Security repairs include locks, doors, windows, outside lights or fire extinguishers that need repair or replacement, as well as shrubbery that needs trimming.

The safety of our residents is of highest priority to the Office of Residence Life. In cooperation with the departments of Public Safety, Facilities and Occupational Health and Safety, we provide the equipment, education, procedures and policies to maximize safety and security. In addition to the safety tips listed above, students should be familiar with the policies and procedures outlining use and replacement of keys and access cards, found on the following page: http://www.udel.edu/reslife/students/keys.html

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