Winter break safety precautions

The James Madison University Police Department would like to remind you to prepare before leaving Harrisonburg for the upcoming winter break. Many of these tips are intended for students but can just as easily apply to faculty and staff.

SECURE YOUR PROPERTY

• Take anything of value, especially small items, home with you. (e.g., electronic devices, jewelry, etc.)
• Lock your dorm room, private space, apartment or office when you leave.
• Close and lock all windows and sliding glass doors. Place wooden dowel in sliding glass door track (you can purchase wooden dowels at your local hardware store).
• If you leave your vehicle in a campus parking lot or at your apartment complex, place all valuables out of site, secure them in the trunk, and lock your doors. Try to leave the vehicle parked under a streetlight.
• If you have a bicycle, check with your residence hall staff to see if it is okay to leave your bicycle in your room over break. If you cannot leave it in your room, secure it to a bike rack.
• If you live off campus, secure your bicycle in your apartment.
• Write down all your serial numbers for your valuables, take pictures of them, and store it in a safe place.
• Off campus residents can also contact the U.S. Postal Service to suspend residential mail delivery while away.

NOTIFY FAMILY & FRIENDS

• Notify your family and friends of your travel plans (departure/arrival times).
• Give them the phone number and address of where you’ll be staying (if not going home) and/or who you are traveling with.
• Fully charge your cell phone.
• Notify family or friends if you are delayed.

THE 511 SYSTEM

• The 511 system is a one-stop resource for all the information you need for making your travel plans. The 511 system has real-time traffic conditions, route planning and information about alternative ways to travel without a car.
• You can access the 511 system from any phone (dial 511) or online.
• Before leaving for break, check your travel route for any delays or road construction.
• If you are delayed, call 511 or check their website to get an alternate travel route.

PUT TOGETHER A TRAVEL SAFETY KIT FOR YOUR VEHICLE

The kit should include:

• Cell phone, fully charged and a cell phone car charger.
• Flashlight with extra batteries.
• First Aid kit.
• Road maps.
• Tool kit.
• Jumper cables.
• Blanket and warm clothes.

BEFORE STARTING YOUR TRIP

• Top off vehicle gas tank.
• Have vehicle serviced (e.g. oil change, battery, spark plugs, etc.).
• Properly inflate tires, including a spare tire.
• Get plenty of rest before driving.

REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY

Look out for your neighbors and call the police if you observe suspicious activity.

• JMU Police: 540-568-6912
• Harrisonburg Police: 540-434-4436
• Rockingham County Sheriff’s Department: 540-564-3800
• Download the JMU Shield app and enable push notifications

Call 911 for emergencies; if you’re on campus, call 540-568-6911

Thank you and have a safe break!