Safety Training & Tips

The following methods may be used for immediate notification during an emergency:

• Bulldog Alert (emergency text message)
• Indoor Notification (campus phone system)
• Outdoor Notification (campus speaker system)

The following methods may be used as a secondary communication method/notification message:

• Social Media
• Email
• Campus Websites
• Information Hotline (559.278.4000)

• Call 911 in case of emergency.  
• Use emergency phones on campus to contact the police department in an emergency. 
• Do not walk alone at night. Utilize the Safety Escort service on campus by calling 559.278.8400
• Always remain alert and aware of your surroundings, and trust your instincts. If a situation feels unsafe, take appropriate safety precautions.
• Report any unusual or suspicious activity you witness. If you witness a crime, be prepared to give a full description….
• Suspect(s) - Gender/Race/Hair/Approximate Age/Clothing/Weapons
• Vehicle(s) - License Plate/Color/Year/Make/Model/Direction of Travel
• If someone with a weapon demands your property, surrender it and contact police as soon as possible.

Weapons Policy

What is a weapon?

A weapon is basically anything somebody could use to hurt or harm somebody else. Weapons could be any of the following:

• Knife
• Gun
• Pepper spray
• Your hands
• Your feet
• Any available object that could be used to hurt somebody else

What kind of weapon can't I bring to school?

Most weapons are not permitted on campus.

This list is just a few examples to give you an idea:

• Any knife with a fixed blade longer than 2 ½ inches, switchblade, butterfly knife, belt buckle knife, dirk, dagger, cane sword, pen knife, lipstick knife, or any knife that opens automatically or has more than one sharp edge
• Any gun without written permission and in accordance with CA Penal Code
• Nanchaku
• Metal knuckles
• Any concealed weapon (hidden from plain sight)

"Despite the passing of Proposition 64 in California, marijuana use, in any form, and marijuana production, possession, cultivation, purchase, sale, transportation, or distribution on CSU property and/or in connection with CSU activities remains prohibited -- both by CSU policy and under state and federal law."

Please read the full memo from the Executive Vice Chancellor and General Counsel, G. Andrew Jones regarding the Use of Marijuana on CSU Property

• Identify all possible exits
• Know how to get out of the building 
• Know the evacuation assembly point for the building
• Identify the location of the campus phone in case you need to call for help. 

• Make a plan for evacuation
  • Identify all possible exit routes
  • Know evacuation assembly point
• Make a plan for shelter-in-place
  • Identify how you would secure yourself in your office
• Discuss your plan with your co-workers

• Do not walk alone or with earphones on, especially at night. Make use of FSPD's safety escort service by calling 559.278.8400. Safety Escorts will walk you to your on campus destination.
• Always tell someone where you are and when you expect to be home.
• Do not take shortcuts: travel well-lighted, busy routes.
• If followed, change directions, head for lights and people.
• Trust your instincts. Run and/or scream if necessary. Escape a dangerous situation at the first opportunity.
• Don't be a "distracted walker" (https://youtu.be/-L_WHPqSA5Y)

• If you have a restraining order against someone, provide a copy of the restraining order to the Fresno State Police Department.
  • The police can only help enforce the order if they know about it.
• Keep a copy of the restraining order with you.
• Verify that the restraining order is on file with the Fresno County Sheriff's Department.
• If you see the restrained person on campus, and they are in violation of the order, notify the Police Department immediately by calling 559.278.8400.

• Be protective of your personal information.
• Make social media accounts private.
• Only make online purchases from trusted sites.

• By providing information about scams and how to identify them, the Fresno State Police Department hopes to help consumers avoid being victims of fraud.
• Please see the Student's Guide to Fraud Scams provided by I.A.C.L.E.A.

• You may not use any skateboards, bikes, hover boards, scooters etc inside buildings, hallways & corridors.
• The Area, between the Library and Thomas Administration.
• Wheel chairs are exempt.

• If possible, avoid driving alone or at night. Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car. Set your alarm or use an anti-theft device.
• If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area. Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells or cars with tinted windows. Park as close as you can to your destination and take notice of where you parked. Never leave your car with children inside and/or unoccupied with the motor running. Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car because it creates a temptation for thieves. If you must leave something in the car, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight.
• Be sure to locate your keys prior to going to your car. Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag and parcels. Do not put them down or on top of the car to open the door. When approaching and leaving your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings. Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area. Ask mall or store security for an escort before leaving your shopping location.
• Keep a full tank of gas in your car.

• Lock ignition and remove keys.
• Close and lock windows and doors.
• Keep all valuables out of sight; use the trunk.
• Choose a well-lit area to park at night.
• When returning, have keys ready in hand and check interior before entering.

• Have your fare or pass ready in hand before boarding the bus.
• On off hours, ride as near to the operator as possible.
• If someone on the bus bothers you, change seats and tell the operator.
• Look around when you are getting off the bus; be aware of the people nearby.
• If you are going to be out late, be sure to have cab fare or utilize Uber or Lyft app.
• At night, avoid dark and isolated intersections or stops.

Bicycles Must:

• Ride with the flow of traffic
• Do not use headphones or use your cell phone while riding
• Obey traffic signs and signals
• Use hand signals
• Use lights, reflectors and consider wearing light colored clothes when riding at night.

Additional Safety Tips:

• Always wear an approved bike helmet to avoid injuries.
• Ride in a single file line when riding with others unless the lane provided is wide enough to ride two abreast.
• Check your bike before riding it to make sure it is in good working order. (link to bike repair locations)
• Do not wear loose clothing that may catch in the chain or wheels.
• Wear close-toed shoes.
• Go slowly on sidewalks and bike paths. Yield to pedestrians. Give audible warnings when you pass a pedestrian.
• Walk your bike across busy intersections.
• Obey all traffic laws when riding in the street.
• Do not pass on the right. Motorists may not be looking for you.

Avoid road hazards. Look for:

• Parallel slat sewer grates
• Slippery manhole covers
• Oily pavement
• Gravel and other debris
• Painted surfaces
• Use hand signals before turning.
• Do not hang on to other vehicles.
• Use a bike lock and register your bike at a local bike store.

• If you are not an experienced rider do not attempt to navigate the campus. There are many obstacles ie: pedestrians, bikes, golf carts, vehicles, altering terrain.
• Do not ride inside buildings, hallways or on ramps.
• Don't wear headphones.
• Pay attention to your surroundings.

• Use your best judgement. You may continue working or teaching if you feel safe doing so.
• Check your surroundings for possible damage caused by the power outage before deciding to stay.
• Watch/listen for campus wide updates and/or instructions.
• Always follow instructions from campus officials.

• Evacuate the building and do not reenter until you have been authorized to do so by campus officials.
• If there is working exterior lighting, gather in the designated evacuation assembly points and await instruction.
• If there is no exterior lighting, leave campus.
• Watch/listen for campus wide updates and/or instructions.
• Always follow instructions from campus officials.

• Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member. Dress casually and comfortably. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible. Always carry your Driver License or Identification Card along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use, and keep them in your pockets.
• Even though you might be rushed and distracted, stay alert to your surroundings. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible. Keep cash in your front pocket. Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused. Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
• Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals, bus stops, on buses and other rapid transit. Avoid overloading yourself with packages because it is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps. Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. Con artists use distraction techniques when they plan to take your money or belongings.

Here are some do's and don'ts to keep in mind to have an enjoyable (but safe) week off:

• Don't forget to wear sunscreen. Spring Break vacation destinations are usually outside, on a beach and out in the sun.
• Don't get arrested. Finding a bathroom may prove to be difficult or even painful, but urinating in public is definitely a fast track to jail.
• Don't be careless with your belongings, as in, don't leave them somewhere unattended or with people you don't know.
• Don't place medication in plastic bags, medication must be in its original containers and only take what you need
• Don't leave the country without your Passport, you will need this while traveling.
• Do keep safety first. Be careful of who you're walking with.  Going with a group of people that you just met by yourself probably isn't the wisest.

• Do not drink alcohol if you are stressed, ill, or tired, taking medications, pregnant, nursing, or considering pregnancy.
• Impaired driving is illegal.
• Underage consumption of alcoholic beverages is in violation of the law.
• Providing alcohol to underage individuals is illegal.
• Being intoxicated in public is a violation of CA penal code section 647(f).
• Do not leave your drink unattended.
• Do not drink a beverage you did not prepare yourself.
• Drinking games may be hazardous.
• If you see someone at risk step up, say and do something.

If you must use an ATM, choose one located inside a mall or well-lighted location. Withdraw only the amount of cash you need. Protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you. Do not dispose of your ATM receipt at the ATM location.

• Be aware that criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts or packages. Criminals often will solicit donations door-to-door for charitable causes that do not exist. When someone comes to your home, do not open the door.
• Donate to a recognized charity online or through their main office.

• Offer non-alcoholic beverages to your guests and find alternative transportation for intoxicated guests.
• Arrange for an official, designated driver for your party who will not drink.
• You are responsible for the behaviors of the people in your home.

• This is the single best deterrent to the would-be thief in the residence hall, office or other residence.
• Doors left unlocked for just one minute are a great risk. It takes about eight seconds to remove valuables from an unlocked room.
• Many thefts occur while the occupant is on the same floor, having left for one minute to use a bathroom or visit a neighbor.
• Lock valuables in a cabinet, closet or drawer with a good security lock.

• Do not loan keys to anyone; their carelessness may lead to your loss.
• Do not ID key rings with your address; duplicates can be used at a later date.
• Do not leave keys lying around or in unused clothing; duplicates can be made.
• Keep keys immediately ready in hand when arriving at a car or residence.
• If lost or stolen, notify Fresno State Police or issuing agent immediately.
• Do not prop doors open or jam locks for intended visitors, as you may be liable for any damage or harm done to others as a result of your actions. It is your responsibility to keep your area secure.
• Do not hold the door open for others. Force them to use their own key. This ensures that they have been granted access to the building.

• Always lock your doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes. If you leave for an extended period, ask your neighbor or a family member to watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail. Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer. Leave a radio or TV on so the house looks and sounds occupied.
• Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home. When setting up a Christmas tree or other holiday display, make sure doors and passageways are clear inside your home. Be sure your Christmas tree is mounted on a sturdy base so it cannot be easily knocked over. If you use lights on your Christmas tree, be sure the wiring is in good condition to avoid a fire hazard.

• Share your itinerary with someone.
• Use credit cards, minimize the amount of cash you carry.
• Keep your ID on you at all times.