Transcript
RCSI Student Safety Handbook
Introduction Dublin is not a particularly large city and does not have the same levels of crime as other international cities. It is generally a safe place, but like any other city in the world, crime does happen, so due care is required. This leaflet is to remind you of some effective steps that you can take to protect yourself. We want your college experience to be as positive as possible. By using these simple, preventative measures, you could save yourself from a regrettable or distressing situation and thus ensure your own safety and well-being.
SECURITY IS EVERYBODY’S BUSINESS FACT FILE l
Anybody can become a victim of crime –
regardless of gender, nationality, age, socio-economic background and lifestyle
Awareness is key to prevention l Assailants look for vulnerable and l
available targets
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Most burglaries occur when someone is at home
THINK BE SAFE NOT SORRY
Personal Safety l
D o not carry large amounts of cash or important documents, such as your passport, in your wallet or purse, unless you really need them
K eep a photocopy of your passport, plane tickets, etc., in a safe place l B e careful when using ATM machines or withdrawing money at banks l N ever use shortcuts to your destination. Main thoroughfares which are well lit and l
used by others are the safest routes
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N ever walk alone through isolated areas of the city during the day or at night N ever accept a lift from a stranger A lways travel with others – groups are harder to target than individuals A lways carry a mobile phone D o not walk around with large, expensive cameras visible B e very careful with handbags or rucksacks, especially in cafés, pubs and restaurants K now the emergency contact details of the Gardai (999 or 112), your nearest local Garda Station, and College Security (191)
RCSI On-Campus Security While in the main College or any of its extended sites remember the following: l
K eep personal belongings in view while in class, the library, or lab – never leave items of value lying around
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S tore all personal items in your locker and make sure it is properly secured
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R eport suspicious activity on campus to College Security
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A lways carry a mobile phone
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Invest in a good quality bicycle lock. Lock your bike properly by securing the lock through the frame and wheel on the bicycle rack
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D on’t use shortcuts to College buildings – stick to the main thoroughfare
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If you must be in an isolated area, e.g. working or studying alone in labs or offices,
always advise Campus Security. It is also recommended you tell a friend and advise them when you plan to return
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A lways carry your College ID card and never loan the card to anyone else
Accommodation l
N ever leave doors or windows open or unlocked, day or night, whether you are at home or not
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N ever leave windows ajar at night for ventilation
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Install and use locks on your doors and windows
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E nsure that door and window locks are of good standard
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P ester your landlord to fix any broken locks or improve security immediately; it is their obligation to do so
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L ock your doors when using the kitchen, shower, or toilet, or even when you are simply calling next door
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N ever give the key to your apartment to friends and do not leave keys in letterboxes for collection by friends
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R emember to insure all your personal possessions
When going out: l
C lose the curtains in your room and turn on the light and/or radio to give the impression that the room is occupied
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D o not advertise your absence by putting notes on your door
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K now who is at the door before opening it. Ask for identification (I.D.) from anyone you don’t know
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If someone comes to your door and asks to use your phone to call for help, offer to make the call instead
K eep emergency numbers near the phone l R eport any strangers or suspicious characters loitering in residence corridors, l
outside apartments or houses
D o not put your name, residence number and/or address on your key l D o not have large amounts of money or valuables in your room/apartment/house l T ake anything valuable home with you during your holidays – thieves are aware l
of student habits
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R ecord the serial numbers of items and mark property with an indelible pen. Marked property is hard to dispose of and criminals usually ignore it
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R EMEMBER to insure personal belongings, especially laptops and jewellery.
To arrange contents and possessions insurance, you can contact cover4students:
www.cover4students.com/ireland
Phone: +44 161 772 3373
Email:
[email protected]
Peripheral Accommodation l
T ravel to and from the hospital with others,
especially in the winter when it is dark in the morning and evening
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F amiliarise yourself with your new surroundings as soon
as possible. B&B owners and hospital staff will be happy to advise
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W hen travelling to your peripheral accommodation by public transport, keep personal belongings close to you
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W hen travelling by car, drive carefully – be aware when travelling on minor roads
that surfaces and lighting may not be as good as in the cities. Keep doors locked and windows fully closed, particularly in slow moving traffic. Never pick up hitch-hikers!
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N ever drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs C arry the number of the local Garda station and B&B* landlord with you at all times A lways carry a mobile phone A lways carry some cash – but not large amounts!
(B&B*: Bed and Breakfast accommodation – often used for peripheral accommodation)
International Students Dublin is a safe city, but as with all cities in our modern world, you must take care. Like all visitors to Dublin, you will need to remember that this city is new to you and that you will need some time to adjust to your new surroundings. The laws and customs are likely to be different from your home country.
Be prepared to take responsibility for your own actions and safety Using Public Transport:
W hen waiting for a bus/train at night, stand in a well-lit area near a group of people C heck with the driver that the bus/train is going to your destination l If possible, avoid planning to catch the last bus/train home, if you miss it you may l l
have problems getting home
If you do miss the last bus/train, consider a taxi l If you loose property on public transport, contact the transport operator to find out their l
policy on lost and found. Also, check with the local Garda station. Items found can often be handed in there
Bicycle Safety and Security: l
L ock your bicycle when not in use, preferably to a cycle rack or other sturdy fixture. Never leave valuables with our bicycle
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H ave your bike security marked and keep a record in a safe place
Always use a cycle helmet and reflective clothing l D ublin has many cycle paths and lanes – use them. l
Do not cycle on pedestrian footpaths
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B efore starting to cycle in Dublin, familiarize yourself
with roads, traffic systems and the local area. ‘Rules of the Road’ booklets are available in most book stores
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R emember to insure your bicycle
Pedestrian Safety l
R emember that in Ireland vehicles drive on the left side of
the road, so look both left and right before crossing the road
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P elican and zebra crossings are for the safety of pedestrians –
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If walking at night, try to wear or carry something reflective
use them!
or bright in colour so that you are visible
Should You Become A Victim Of Crime Contact the Garda Siochána immediately and make a formal report EMERGENCY NUMBER: 999 or 112 The Garda Station for the main College campus in St Stephen’s Green is Harcourt Terrace An Garda Siochána Harcourt Terrace, Dublin 2 T: 01 666 9500 www.garda.ie Contact RCSI College Security RCSI Emergency Number
191
St. Stephens Green Campus Security
(01) 402 2219
Reservoir House
(01) 402 8679
Beaumont Hospital Main Hospital Security
(01) 809 2110 /2142
Smurfit Clinical Sciences Building, Beaumont
(01) 809 3819
Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown
(01) 646 5641
If you are aware of ANY unusual or suspicious activities, don’t leave it up to someone else to report it. Contact the relevant authorities. Never try to deal with such matters personally. Both the Garda and the College have procedures in place.
Remember, you can make a difference EXERCISE COMMON SENSE IN ALL ACTIVITIES BE SAFE, NOT SORRY!
Useful Links Garda Crime Prevention http://www.garda.ie Stay Safe on Campus http://www.garda.ie Crime Victims Helpline http://www.crimevictimshelpline.ie Freephone: 116 006 Dublin Rape Crisis Centre www.drcc.ie 24-Hr Helpline: 1800 778 888 Student Insurance www.cover4students.com/ireland Road Safety http://www.rsa.ie
Campus Map
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