By Lt. Rex Duke, interim chief, Clayton State Department of Public Safety

Some of you may not be aware that during the holiday season crime has a tendency to rise most everywhere. Here at Clayton State University we are no different, other than the fact we do enjoy a relatively safe environment. We usually see a peak in theft on campus during this season. Keep this in mind and take precautions by never leaving your valuables unattended.

Here are some holiday safety and security tips for Clayton State students, faculty, staff and anyone else who wants to be safe and secure at the holidays.

If you are studying, do not leave your laptop, purses, or cell phones anywhere you can’t keep a close eye on them, if you do your valuables may not be there when you return.

Make a photo of your laptop, cell phones, and record your serial and model numbers. It is a good idea to hang onto your receipts for the high ticket items in case they are ever stolen.

The Christmas holiday season is only days away! Make this holiday season a safe, happy, and less stressful time with these important tips.

Around the Office

• Turn off all electrical equipment that will not be needed before leaving the office for the holidays.

• Clean out refrigerators and remove food from offices before you leave. Your co-workers will love you when they return after the holidays.

• Lock filing cabinets; consider removing keyboards and locking them in a drawer.

• Lock office doors and windows.

• For Clayton State employees -- Need to return to the office over the holidays? Contact Public Safety when you arrive on campus and let us know you are here.

While Traveling

• Have your car checked by a mechanic before taking long or short trips. Make sure your spare tire is inflated and you have the necessary tools to change it if necessary.

• Share travel plans with a friend or family member and check in with them as you travel.

• Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to arrive at your destination, reducing stress and the temptation to drive too fast.

• Plan frequent stops for long trips so you can relax and enjoy. You deserve a relaxing trip!

• If you drink alcohol remember to never drink and drive, use a designated driver when going out for the evening or attending a party where you plan to consume alcohol. Never drink to a point of intoxication especially with someone you are not familiar with or feel you can’t trust.

At Home

• Add these items to your shopping list for yourself! Smoke detectors or replacement batteries for existing smoke detectors; household fire extinguisher; weather alert radio; flashlight and first aid kit. Don’t forget the aspirin for those holiday headaches!

• When decorating, avoid overloading electrical outlets in your home.

• Test extension cords to see if they are warm when in use. If they are, then unplug some items or try replacing the extension cord. Never run electrical cords under a rug!

• With all the rushing around for the holidays, plan for some quiet time. Share it with family or friends.

While Shopping

• Collect all receipts when making purchases to check against your statements and double-check to see that the cashier returned your credit/debit card after making a purchase.

• Keep your gifts locked in the trunk or concealed from view inside the car when leaving them it unattended.

• Shopping can be stressful with traffic and crowded stores. Allow yourself plenty of time and make a point to enjoy yourself!

• Shopping online? Make sure the companies are familiar to you and websites are secure when sharing information. Look for the “lock” on your web browser. Not sure? Then opt for phone ordering.

• Be alert to your surroundings while in stores and walking to and from your car. Avoid situations that make you uncomfortable and call for assistance when needed.

The Clayton State Department of Public Safety wishes you a happy and safe holiday season!

A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.

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