As winter nears and it begins getting darker earlier, UNMC Security would like to offer tips to help you stay safe on campus.
Personal safety
Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Reduce distractions (including your phone), look around, and if you see something . . . say something by calling (402) 559-5111.
If you have experienced threats or an uncomfortable contact on campus, report the situation immediately to security dispatch at (402) 559-5111 and your administrator.
If you have had an incident occur off campus that may pertain to your work or study on campus, or could impact your safety and/or the safety of others on campus, please contact security dispatch at (402) 559-5111 and your administrator. Safety planning is available to help everyone be safer on campus.
Vehicle Safety
Here are some tips for safety around your vehicle and in the parking lot.
- Never leave your keys in the car, not even for a short time. Also, remove cash, credit cards, cell phones, sunglasses, vehicle documents or other valuables in the car.
- Close the windows and sunroof of your vehicle. Lock the doors and activate any security devices when leaving your car unattended.
- Park with care, particularly at night. If possible, park in a busy, well-lit area.
- Pay particular attention as you approach your vehicle, including in, around, and underneath as you approach it.
- Have your keys in your hand as you approach your vehicle.
- If you notice something unusual, keep walking to a safe place and call security dispatch at (402) 559-5111 if you are on campus. If you are off campus, call the police at 911.
If you come upon:
A suspicious package:
Here are some tips if you find or receive a suspicious package:
- Handle with care. Do not shake or bump.
- Isolate and look for suspicious indicators on envelopes or packages:
- Excessive postage
- Possibly mailed from a foreign country
- No return address
- Restrictive markings (such as “Personal” or “Special Delivery”)
- Misspelled words in address
- Addressed to title only or incorrect title
- Protruding wires
- Lopsided or uneven
- Rigid or bulky
- Strange odor
- Oily stains, discolorations or crystallization on wrapper
- Excessive tape or string
- If these threat indicators exist, treat it as suspect, and call 911.
- Contact campus security.
If the parcel is opened and a threat is identified:
For a bomb:
- Evacuate immediately
- Call 911
- Contact campus security
For radiological:
- Limit exposure and don’t handle
- Evacuate area
- Shield yourself from object
- Call 911
- Contact campus security
For biological or chemical:
- Isolate and don’t handle
- Call 911
- Contact campus security
- Wash your hands with soap and warm water
A suspicious person:
Here are some tips if you encounter a person who appears to have no purpose or legitimate reason for being on campus:
- Project calmness and confidence. Be friendly but professional.
- Challenge persons only when you can do so safely and never alone.
- Never jeopardize your safety by acting alone when challenging or even approaching a person, regardless of how unthreatening the person may appear.
- Never provide personal information to someone you don’t know.
- If you believe a person has no legitimate purpose on campus, call Security Dispatch at (402) 559-5111 to alert them to the individual and give a location, description of the person, and details of the incident.
- Never try to physically remove someone yourself.
Trust your intuition. It’s important to remember if a situation feels wrong, it probably is. If you feel uncomfortable or threatened in any way, remove yourself from the situation as soon as possible and call Security Dispatch at (402) 559-5111.