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Students: be proactive
about safety
File story by Amy Warren
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Paradise. This is a word often used to describe Hawai’i,
and with all the fun in the sun on the warm sandy beaches,
it’s easy for residents to let down their guard and feel
at ease. It is especially easy for students in Hawai’i
to be caught up in the excitement of school activities or the
rush between classes, and so to ignore signals of danger in
the environment. At such times, people are vulnerable.
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| No matter in what region in the world we live, crime exists,
and the best way to avoid being a victim, according to the Honolulu
Police department, is to practice preventive safety measures.
To help students be pro-active in their own personal safety,
police suggest the following: |
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¨ Accept the fact that you are vulnerable, that everyone
is vulnerable.
¨ Always advise a friend or roommate of your whereabouts.
¨ Know the location of the nearest public phone. 911 is a free
call.
¨ Travel with a friend whenever possible.
¨ Always walk in well-lit areas and at a steady pace.
¨ Stay away from bushes or dark corners
¨ Keep your hands out of your pockets so you are always free to
defend yourself.
¨ On public transportation, sit near the driver. |
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| In addition, HPD encourages people to practice possible responses
to an attack, so that these can be recalled under the stress
of a real encounter. |
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| Role play with a friend, victim versus attacker. Simulate the
conditions of everyday travel. Put on a backpack and carry an
umbrella, keys or whatever you normally have with you. Remember,
if you are attacked, whatever you have in your possession may
be your only weapon. Also, time your responses. The quicker you
are, the better. |
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| Protecting yourself from potentially dangerous situations requires
active and constant effort. You must always be alert and prepared
to defend yourself. Use the resources available to you, such
as the local police, campus security, and campus maps. If you
can afford it, take a self-defense class. Knowing your surroundings
and where to get help can save you from personal injury and may
even save your life. |
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