Have you ever noticed the blue light phones on campus and wondered what they’re for? Many students don’t know they’re for emergencies. Because we’re so busy with school, work and everything else, we often forget to look at our surroundings. Being aware of what’s around and available to us can prove useful in urgent situations.
I often walk from Neuberger to Pioneer Square in the evening. Over the years, I’ve learned to take Broadway instead of the Park Blocks, which can be sketchy at night. There are also fewer people walking about there, and you’re constantly having to look over your shoulder. My advice would be to stay near busy areas where stores and restaurants keep the area lit and you are surrounded by people enjoying nightlife.
Campus Public Safety Director, Phillip Zerzan, who previously worked at Oregon State University, believes that PSU is different from other schools because it’s an open campus set in an urban environment. Some safety tips he shared were to be aware of your surroundings, travel in groups, always carry a cell phone and make good decisions. I think that if you feel uncomfortable walking through an area on campus, it’s better to take a longer, but safer route. As for the blue light phones, I’ve never had to use them, but it helps to know where they are located in case of an emergency.
http://www.pdx.edu/cpso/campus-emergency-blue-light-phones-and-aed-locations
Have you had to use the blue light phones? Do you have any safety tips?