Student Safety

Safety 

24 Jul 2019

Safety Tips That Will Work Anywhere

No matter where you go in this world every place has its potential dangers. The best way to ensure your safety is to minimise the risk. Sergeant Lyndon O’Neill is a Queensland Police Officer working within their Cultural Liaison Unit and he says that Australia is one of the safest countries in the world, so it’s good to put that into perspective, but these safety tips will work for you anywhere:

  • Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t draw attention to yourself. Don’t carry large sums of money, it’s unnecessary. If you have to go to an ATM, be mindful that you are openly handling money in a public place. Engrave your valuables like tablets and laptops.

  • Alcohol clouds your judgment so if you’re out celebrating or consuming alcohol make sure you have a safety plan. Make sure you stay with your mates. Make sure you have enough money to get a taxi or Uber home. If there’s a lit side of the street make sure you walk on that side.

  • Don’t take short cuts through dark alleyways or through a deserted park. Stay visible and make sure you have options of where to go if you feel threatened like a shop that’s open at night. Trust your gut instinct, if you feel uncomfortable in a situation then don’t hang around waiting for something bad to happen. Likewise avoid people who are overly intoxicated, they can behave unpredictably.


    Officers Nao Hirano and Lyndon O'Neill in the Gold Coast Student Hub

  • Then there’s online safety. Internet fraud, identity theft and all sorts of scams are out there. If you’re not familiar with the local laws or don’t know your rights then you can be vulnerable. Remember there’s no such thing as a bad question, so if you’re unsure about something ask someone you trust.

  • If you do get into trouble don’t hesitate to call 000. If it’s not an emergency but you still need help call 131 444. The Emergency+ app is great because it not only has all the essential information that you need it also identifies where you are, so if you do get into trouble we can get to you as quickly as possible.