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Author: Bradli Millington

Winter break safety tips

Posted on by Bradli Millington

It’s almost time to breathe a big sigh of relief with the completion of finals and the fall semester, but it is not time to let down your guard.

According to area law enforcement agencies, areas with high densities of student housing are often targeted by criminals during breaks in the academic calendar because a majority of residents are out of town.

Regardless of where you might be spending winter break, please be vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Kansas State University Police and Riley County Police Department share these safety tips:


Residential safety

  • Keep doors and windows closed and locked.
  • Install good quality locks on doors and windows. Deadbolt door locks are always best.
  • Sliding glass patio doors are frequent points of entry for burglars. They should always be reinforced by wedging a stick or pole firmly in the lower track behind the door.
  • Unplug your automatic overhead garage door opener when leaving for an extended period of time.
  • Install peepholes in doors.
  • Keep shrubbery trimmed so doors and windows are not obscured.
  • Ask reliable neighbors to watch your residence when you are away. Keep newspapers, handbills, and mail picked-up while you are gone.
  • Keep valuables well hidden especially checkbooks and extra checks. Record and safely store serial numbers from valuable items, such as electronics and firearms.
  • Keep premises well lit at night.
  • Never let strangers into your home, not even to use the phone.
  • Never give information indicating when you will or will not be at home to those you don’t know or through social media.
  • Never let strangers know if you live alone.
  • If you are gone overnight, use automatic timers on interior lights to give the appearance that the residence is occupied.


Personal safety

  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • Never open your door to strangers; require ID of service or repair people.
  • Plan several escape routes from your home.
  • Park in well-lit areas and lock your vehicle.
  • If you come home and something looks wrong or different — do not enter, go to a safe place and call police.
  • Keep money in a pocket instead of a purse or wallet.
  • Portray a confident and self-reliant person, walk like you have a mission.
  • Do not walk or jog alone at night.
  • If someone makes you feel uncomfortable or the situation just does not seem right, trust your instincts and leave.
  • Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
  • If you are attacked or robbed, or you witness violence, be a good witness and contact the police immediately.
  • Immediately report anyone seen watching people or acting suspicious.

Be prepared for winter weather

Posted on by Bradli Millington

The National Weather Service is predicting a storm system that may bring wintery precipitation to the central U.S. Wednesday, Oct. 30, and Thursday, Oct. 31. The following tips will help you stay safe this winter.

Safety while driving 

The biggest weather hazard in Kansas is icy roads, so you need to be prepared when traveling during the winter as well. The best way to counter this hazard is slow down. You want to do everything slower and lighter than you normally would. Hitting your gas pedal, slamming your brakes or cranking your wheel too quickly is a surefire way to lose traction on an icy or wet road.

 

Plan ahead

A little planning goes a long way. Be sure to check the weather forecast along your trip by visiting weather.gov. Visit the Kansas Department of Transportation website to access information about your road conditions including webcams.

 

Stock your car emergency kit

An emergency kit is essential in case you become stranded. Check out this list of emergency supplies to make your own car emergency kit.

 

Additional tips

For winter safety tips, visit the National Weather Service Winter Weather Safety Page.

All about K-State Alerts

Posted on by Bradli Millington

K-State Alerts is the university’s emergency notification system. K-State Alerts provides short and direct messaging through text messages, email, alert beacons, the website, social media and possibly a loud speaker. The messages are designed to give basic information in as few characters as possible so K-Staters can quickly read and implement safety plans.

You’ll only receive K-State Alerts by text message if you opt-in
Currently, all K-Staters automatically receive alerts in their K-State email addresses. Please remember, you’ll only receive K-State Alerts by text message if you opt-in via K-State Connect under the “K-State Alerts” tab in the “Profile” section.

Alerts settings default to coverage for all three campuses
You can change this setting in K-State Connect. Read how. Additionally, K-Staters who live off campus will find links to enroll in the notification systems of the counties hosting a K-State campus or in which a significant number of K-State employees reside.

K-Staters can add up to three phone numbers and emails to three different addresses to their account
This is a good way to include family members in notifications if desired. Non-affiliated K-State visitors and community members can receive alerts for all three campuses by texting KSTATEVISITOR to 67283.

The K-State Alerts policy was revised to only announce emergencies and campus closures
Surveys and feedback forms have indicated that many people who were initially enrolled in K-State Alerts text messages found alerts regarding thunderstorm watches and other weather events not requiring action intrusive causing them to unsubscribe. The K-State Alerts policy was revised several years ago and weather alerts are now only issued for severe weather events affecting university property, campus closures and serious safety issues. Please re-enroll for the most direct means of all types of emergency notices. Please use your preferred weather safety app or notification system to stay informed about general weather conditions.

K-State Alerts is tested twice per year on specified days
Tests ensure that the K-State Alerts service is functioning properly. You will be notified in advance of the test. Read K-State Today, the university’s internal e-newsletter, and follow K-State’s social media accounts for announcements about the test. 

Have additional questions about K-State Alerts?
Read the K-State Alerts FAQ page.