Safety

Source: https://oia.osu.edu/international-students/life-ohio-state/safety Parent: https://oia.osu.edu/

Safety emergencies

Call 911 for emergencies: police, fire, medical (on and off campus). For non-emergencies, call +1 614-292-2121 (on campus) or +1 614-645-4545 (off campus).

Blue light emergency phones

These phones are located all across campus. Activate the phone by pressing the red button and speak into the intercom to request police, fire and medical help or to report suspicious activity.

Exchange Visitor Program emergency hotline

The U.S. Department of State offers a hotline that is available 24 hours a day for international students to contact them in emergency and urgent situations. Call toll-free at +1-866-283-9090.

Safety tips

Safety at home

Do not admit strangers into your apartment
Lock doors and windows even when you are home
Close your curtains or blinds at night
When out of town, use timers on your lights and have a neighbor collect your mail and newspapers so it appears that someone is home

Safety on the phone

Do not give out personal information (like your social security number or bank account number)
You may get phone calls asking you to make purchases or donations—it is not safe to give your credit card number over the phone
You may get phone calls from people saying they are from a government agency (for example, the Internal Revenue Service or Federal Bureau of Investigation). Do not give them your personal information. These are scams.

Safety when walking

Walk confidently, pay attention and be aware of your surroundings
Avoid walking alone, especially at night
Utilize the blue light telephones placed all around campus if you fear for your safety on campus
Avoid dark streets and alleyways
If you think you are being followed, walk into a crowded, well-lit area
Never get into a stranger’s car—if someone in a car asks for directions, stand away from the car when talking to them

Safety in your car

Keep car windows and doors closed and locked, even when you are in the car
When parking at night, select a parking space that will be well-lit upon your return
If you are parked on campus and lock your keys in your car, or your car won’t start, call public safety at 614-292 -2121, or use a blue light emergency phone
If you are pulled over by a police officer, do not get out of your car unless instructed to do so and keep your hands where the police officer can see them

Discounted Lyft rides are available through the Ride Smart program at Ohio State
Visually confirm vehicle information and description and driver’s name
Wait until the driver calls you by your name before entering the vehicle
Do not ride in the front seat or share your cell phone information
Before getting in the back seat, check that the child lock is disengaged
Follow the ride-share vehicle on GPS (if available)
If you feel unsafe, leave the area and contact authorities

Protect your identity and possessions

Do not give anyone your social security number, credit card number or bank account information
Call the company and cancel the card if you notice one is missing
Do not fall for scams targeting international students
Do not leave personal belongings in public areas like classrooms or libraries
Do not leave possessions unattended in your car (such as wallets, laptops, cell phones or passports); lock them in your trunk
Do not leave your dorm room unlocked