With the holidays, approaching Public Safety would like to remind the community to be safe and plan ahead when you travel. If traveling by vehicle, know where you are going and how to get there and back. Obtain a map or download the latest available GPS data. Check for construction detours; for longer trips, get a weather forecast.
If traveling out-of-state, most states, and/or state law enforcement agencies provide road-and-highway information either online or at a 1-800 number. Check to see what conditions they report before leaving. Visit the Federal Highway Administration's related webpage for national, regional, and state-by-state links regarding traffic, closures, and other conditions.
"National Traffic and Road Closure Information"
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/index.htm
Inform a family member where you will be and when to expect you back; give them your route if they do not know it.
Travel and conduct your business during daylight hours if possible.
When driving, keep doors locked and windows rolled up at all times. Maintain at least half a tank of fuel, and keep vehicle in good repair.
If planning a "road trip" over the holidays, have your vehicle serviced and checked out sufficiently far ahead to allow for repairs if needed. Do not forget to have the mechanic check your spare tire and all fluid levels along with the other preventive maintenance procedures.
To the extent practical, select well-traveled and lighted thoroughfares. Bear in mind that routes, which are congested during rush hour, may be very lightly traveled at other hours. Use freeways and arterial streets and avoid less-traveled roads as much as possible, especially when driving at night or in unfamiliar locations.
Remember to talk to your roommates, about locking the doors, securing valuables, making sure everything is shut off before leaving for the holiday break.
Our Annual Report and crime statistics are on the Barry Public Safety web page, along with other important crime prevention tips. Visit the site: http://www.barry.edu/public-safety/stats/
Barry University reminds its students, faculty, staff and visitors that continued caution and vigilance are necessary components of your own personal safety and the safety of all in the Barry community. We encourage all to report crimes and/or suspicious behavior to Public Safety by calling 305-899-3333 or visiting www.barry.edu/publicsafety/silentwitness.htm, a confidential way of providing information via Barry's website.
Keep up-to-date on campus safety by checking out our periodic updates on Bucwis and Barry News. For more information about Barry's Public Safety Department, visit http://bucwis.barry.edu/publicSafety/.
George Wilhelm
Director of Public Safety