Safety

Personal Safety

Lots of crime is preventable, but only if you take basic steps to protect yourself and your belongings. Off Campus Life recommends checking crime statistics before signing a lease and here is a link to the City Protect website cityprotect.com which has a map feature that allows you to search crime information by address. In addition, here are some easy ways you can protect yourself and your residence from crime. Read more

Crime Prevention Resources

We have three law enforcement agencies in Gainesville. All three agencies have several programs that meet the needs of students and non-student community members. Visit law enforcement websites to find out more.

University of Florida Police Department (UFPD): police.ufl.edu
Gainesville Police Department (GPD): gainesvillepd.org
Alachua County Sheriff's Office (ASO): acso.us

Personal Safety

›Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
› Be mindful of what’s going on while you’re on the phone or while wearing headphones.
› Do not walk or exercise alone at night outdoors. If you’re on campus, you can request a ride from SNAP through the UF SNAP by Spare app.
› Do not get in a vehicle with a stranger for any reason.
› Walk in groups and stay in parts of town that are well lit and familiar.
› Consider downloading the GATOR SAFE app. This app pairs mobile GPS technology with existing campus safety infrastructure and allows students to summon help anywhere on campus.

Party Safety

You must be 21 or older to drink alcohol. If you choose to drink alcohol, be sure to do so responsibly. UF and the City of Gainesville take alcohol related rules and regulations seriously, so be aware that inappropriate and potentially harmful behavior will not be tolerated and may be punishable.

If you are the host of a party, you can be held liable for the actions of your guests. If there are minors consuming alcohol at your party, even if you personally did not hand them something to drink, you are still deemed responsible for their actions. Be sure to offer non-alcoholic beverage options and have snacks available to curb alcohol’s absorption into the bloodstream.

Below are some tips from GatorWell, UF’s Health Promotion Service, to be aware of when drinking:
› Avoid playing drinking games. They can cause you to drink too much too fast.
› Pace yourself to one or fewer drinks per hour. Alternate drinks with non-alcoholic drinks, such as soda or water.
› Keep track of how many drinks you consume and choose a pre-set limit or limit the number of hours you drink and do not exceed that number.
› Eat a meal before and/or during drinking, preferably with protein.
› Plan how you will get home before going out. Use a designated, sober driver. Know the RTS Later Gator routes and times, or download Uber and Lyft apps.
› Be aware of your surroundings. Use the buddy system and never leave your drink unattended.
› Choose not to drink or go to a place where the main activity is not drinking.
› If you choose to drink, remember that an individual cannot legally consent to sexual activity if he or she is drunk (Blood Alcohol Concentration is .08 or higher).
› Know the signs of alcohol poisoning (unconsciousness, cold, clammy, pale or bluish skin, slow or irregular breathing, unable to stand or walk without help, vomiting while passed out, etc.) and call 911 immediately. For alcohol safety information, visit the GatorWell website at: gatorwell.ufsa.ufl.edu.

Apartment/House/Car

› Keep your doors/windows to your apartment/home locked at all times.
› Keep bicycles and scooters locked up at all times.
› Keep car doors locked at all times.
› Do not leave valuables in your car. Laptops, textbooks, or clothing are items easily sold and often entice thieves.
› Ensure you have and use a peephole on your front door before opening the door.
› Don’t open your door to strangers and do not let delivery people into your home.
› Only let maintenance workers in if the complex management or your landlord has contacted you to inform you of the date, time, and reason for their visit.
› Ensure that the trees and shrubs around your apartment/house doors and windows are cut back enough so they don’t obscure your view out of your apartment.
› Make sure apartment complex lights are working.
› Contact apartment complex management or landlord for yard work and exterior lighting maintenance immediately.
› If you see someone suspicious, call the police immediately and notify your apartment complex management or landlord.
› Utilize the myGNV app to report any city concerns including missing stop signs, streetlight outages, etc.

Hurricane Safety

Hurricane season is June 1 - November 30. The best place to go for storm or severe weather updates is the UF website. Below are 10 steps to prepare for a hurricane or severe weather.

1. Prepare a Disaster Supplies Kit and a Personal Evacuation Plan. Identify where you could go ahead of time. If you are told to evacuate choose several locations and keep directions and contact information ready.
2. Create a communication plan with family and friends. Talk with family about your plans for evacuation during a storm.
3. Stay informed. Check websites, listen to the radio or watch TV for the latest weather updates. If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately.
4. Take these items when evacuating. Prescription medications, cash, sleeping bag, pillow, water, non-perishable foods, first-aid kit, battery operated radio, flashlight, batteries, car keys, cell phone, maps, directions, shelter locations, shelter contact information, driver’s license, social security card and insurance papers.
5. Follow these steps before evacuating: Unplug all electrical appliances, move all valuables off the floor to avoid damage in case of flooding, close blinds and curtains, close and lock apartment and home windows and doors.
6. Fill your car’s gas tank and make sure you have cash. ATM’s and gas pumps
7. Don’t forget your pet and remember to bring: food, water, medication, toys, crate, leash and any other pet essentials. Shelters require a crate for your dog or cat, so be prepared.
8. What to do when the hurricane arrives: Listen to the radio or TV, stay indoors and don’t party. This is a time for you to be aware and ready to evacuate if necessary.
9. What to do after the hurricane: Continue to monitor websites, listen to the radio or local TV station for instructions and inspect your home for damage. If the power is out, use flashlights in the dark, not candles. Avoid power lines or plugging in electrical appliances in standing water.
10. More resources: For shelter information, check the UF website ufl.edu, local newspapers, radio stations, or TV news.

For more information, visit the following websites or apps:

UF: ufl.edu
UF Emergency Management: emergency.ufl.edu
GatorSafe app: https://publicsafety.ufl.edu/gatorsafe.htmlf