UB Promoting Safety in Neighborhoods Surrounding its Campuses

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- As recent news reports have indicated, students living off campus near the University at Buffalo South Campus and near Buffalo State College faced violence over the weekend. Both campuses are working to support the victims and to promote safety in the surrounding neighborhoods.

In recent years, UB has taken many steps to help student who choose to live off campus live better and live safer. These include:

• University Police (UPD) patrols of the campus perimeter,

• The installation of city security cameras at five off-campus locations,

• Joint UB-Buffalo Police Department (BPD), Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) patrols of Main Street in key time periods with Segways and bikes purchased by UB,

• UPD response to Buffalo Police calls on an as-needed basis, as requested by BPD, and

• On-going safety education efforts, including opening weekend events, Operation Door Hanger information, the Yalem Safety Run and on-campus safety fairs.

To encourage students to live well and safer in the community, consider the recommendations available online at http://www.student-affairs.buffalo.edu/off-campus. These include:

• Know who to call in an emergency.

• Lock doors and windows and leave an outside light on.

• Do not travel alone, especially at night. If you can't find a walking partner, make use of the Safety Shuttle that departs from Goodyear Hall, Main Loop and Health Services Library, and will drop you off anywhere within 1.5 miles of the South Campus.

• If going to a party or out, go with friends and come home with friends.

• Do not entertain crowds of people; large parties can attract unwanted attention from criminals and may be a nuisance for your neighbors.

• Most importantly, report any crime or any suspicious activities or persons, by calling 911 or the E District Buffalo Police at 851-4416.

Finally, not all threats to safety come from criminals. If your housing is unsafe, (missing or malfunctioning smoke detectors, faulty wiring, etc.), contact Buffalo Public Services at 311 (http://www.ci.buffalo.ny.us).

There is no way to remove all risks of danger, but these guidelines can certainly be a start. You can also lower your risk by the choices you make. For example, many incidents that have occurred have involved alcohol or other substances. Choosing substance-free activities like those sponsored by UB, including the free midnight movies at the Amherst Theaters on Saturday, can be a great alternative. (http://latenight.buffalo.edu).

Living off-campus? Life safe and live smart! For more information contact: Off-Campus Student Services at 829-3541, and the Office of Off-Campus Student Services can help.