Safety Tips

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Want to see our safety information translated into additional languages for your school or program? We are welcoming any students or employees who wish to assist with language translation of our printed materials. We would require the participant to be either a UH student or employee, and any students must have a faculty or staff advisor to assist with the translation and verify its accuracy. Contact Sarah Rice (srice@hawaii.edu) if you are interested.

General Safety Tips

  • Become familiar with the Emergency Call Boxes (ECBs) located around campus. ECBs can be identified by a blue light mounted above the box. See map of ECB locations.
  • Program the number for UHM DPS into your phone: (808) 956-6911. If you see something out of the ordinary, call us!
  • Avoid situations that put you at greater risk (such as walking alone after dark or in high crime areas around the city). If you do find yourself alone on campus at night and need to get to another University facility, we recommend that you:
  • If you are on an elevator with someone who makes you feel uneasy, get off at the next floor.
  • Let someone know that you are working odd hours or will be in the building after normal business hours.
  • If you are being harassed, loudly say “Leave me alone!” If that doesn’t stop the harassment, continue to attract people’s attention and head towards a store or other populated area.
  • Be aware of your surroundings while walking/jogging alone. If using headphones, always leave one earbud out so that you can stay alert.
  • When you go to social gatherings, go with a group of friends. Arrive together, check in with each other throughout the evening, and leave together.
  • Advise someone of your whereabouts and how long you expect to be out. Inform that person if you end up staying longer than expected. Using the Mānoa Guardian app, you can easily advise your family and friends of your whereabouts so they will be notified if you do not reach your intended destination on time.
  • Do not accept drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) from strangers.
  • If you see anything unusual or suspicious, notify UHM Department of Public Safety. Do not physically engage suspects involved in criminal activity. Stay at a safe distance, note the suspect’s description, and seek help as soon as possible.

Protect Your Property

  • Always keep your belongings with you or lock them away, even if making a quick trip to the restroom
  • Mark or engrave your belongings; don’t leave valuables unattended.
  • Do not keep valuables in your car. If you must, keep them in the trunk where they are out of sight. If you have an internal trunk lock, use it.
  • Always lock your bicycle or moped. Bicycles or mopeds should be locked around the frame to a bike rack. Click here for more information and tips on how to properly secure your bike.
  • Register your bike/moped: https://www.honolulu.gov/bicycle/education/registration.html.
  • Keep a list of serial numbers for your valuables. Items are easier to return if an owner can be identified.

Home and Residence Hall Safety

  • For safety and security purposes, do not put your name, address, or building name on your student housing key card.
  • Be sure to lock/secure window(s) and door(s) in your room or office during the day and at night, even if you are sleeping or doing homework. Do not prop open locked doors.
  • Never loan keys to anyone (they may be easily lost, stolen, or duplicated).
  • Do not allow strangers to follow you into your residence hall or apartment complex. Visitors must be registered and escorted by a registered resident at all times.
  • If you find that your room has been entered, do not go inside. Go to a neighbor and call UHM DPS at 956-6911. If you are already inside, do not touch anything. You may disturb evidence that is important to the investigation.
  • If you lose your Student Housing key card, report it immediately so it can be deactivated.

Crime-in-Progress

  • Do not attempt to apprehend or interfere with a suspected criminal except in cases of self-protection.
  • If safe, get a good description of the criminal. Note size, height, weight, gender, color of skin, hair, facial hair, eyes, age, clothing, distinguishing characteristics or marks, and method and direction of travel. If there is a vehicle involved, note its license plate number, make and model, color, and outstanding characteristics. See Describing a Suspect for more information.
  • In an emergency, dial 9-1-1. For UHM DPS, use the closest Emergency Call Box (ECB) or call 956-6911 for help. Inform the dispatcher of your situation, provide your name and location, and then remain where you are until contacted by a UHM DPS officer.
  • If you are involved in a monetary theft, you should:
    • Not resist – do as the perpetrator says
    • Give up the money immediately
    • Wait until the perpetrator departs, then contact UHM DPS immediately
    • Attempt to get a good description of the perpetrator and direction of flight. Write down whatever you remember.
    • Ask any witnesses to remain on scene for the arrival of UHM DPS officers or Honolulu Police
  • In the event of civil disturbance, continue with a normal routine as much as possible. If the disturbance is outside, stay away from doors and windows.
  • Do not interfere with persons creating the disturbance, or with law enforcement authorities on the scene.