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Safety Tips

Staying aware, knowing where to find help and being prepared for an emergency are good safety practices wherever you go.

Whether you're on campus, traveling to and from BRCC or elsewhere in the community, a few simple precautions can help you stay aware and prepared. Take a few minutes to review these everyday safety tips and familiarize yourself with the resources available to you at BRCC.

Know Your Campus

Know what safety resources are available at BRCC and where to find help before you need it.

  • Know the locations of nearby Blue Emergency Posts.
  • Save important campus emergency numbers in your phone.
  • Use well-lit paths, especially when walking after dark.
  • Let friends or family know your plans when traveling alone.
  • Avoid distractions that make it difficult to stay aware of your surroundings.
  • Trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, move to a safer, populated location and seek assistance.

Practice Everyday Safety

Simple precautions can help you stay aware of your surroundings whether you're on campus, at work, traveling or out in the community.

  • Walk with a friend or someone you know when possible, especially after dark.
  • Keep personal belongings with you and don't leave valuables unattended.
  • Have your keys ready before reaching your vehicle.
  • Check around and inside your vehicle before getting in.
  • Lock your vehicle and keep valuables out of sight.
  • If you believe someone is following you, don't continue to your vehicle or another isolated location. Move to a populated or secure area and seek assistance.
  • When on campus, contact BRCC Public Safety at 225-216-8001 if you would like assistance getting safely to your vehicle.

Practice Rideshare Safety

Using Uber, Lyft or another rideshare service? Take a few moments to verify your ride and protect yourself before getting into the vehicle.

Verify Your Ride

Confirm the driver's name, photo, vehicle make and model, and license plate using the information provided in the rideshare app. Before getting into the vehicle, ask the driver, “Who are you here for?” rather than giving the driver your name first.

Check the driver's rating in the app. If the driver or vehicle doesn't match the information provided—or if something doesn't feel right—don't get in. Cancel the ride and request another.

Share Your Trip

Use the rideshare app's trip-sharing feature to let a friend or family member follow your ride when available. You can also send someone the driver's name, vehicle information, license plate and your expected arrival time.

Ride in the Back Seat

When traveling alone, sit in the back seat. This provides additional personal space and generally allows you to exit from either side of the vehicle.

Protect Your Information

Don't share unnecessary personal information with your driver. Use the communication features provided through the rideshare app whenever possible.

Follow Your Route

Keep your phone accessible and follow your trip using the rideshare app or your preferred maps application. Pay attention to significant or unexpected changes from the anticipated route.

Know What to Do During an Active Threat

Knowing your options before an emergency can help you respond more quickly. Remember Run. Hide. Fight.

RUN

Run to safety if a clear escape path exists.

HIDE

Hide in a secure location if you cannot safely escape.

FIGHT

Fight only as a last resort if you are in immediate danger.

Stay Connected

Make sure your contact information is current and that you receive BRCC emergency notifications. Emergency alerts can provide important information and instructions during situations affecting the College community.

Good safety practices go with you wherever you go. Stay aware. Know your resources. Be prepared.