Your Safety Comes First

This story was originally published in November 2015. Read more campus safety tips on The Box including a Q&A with Peter Kinney, NYIT chief of staff and a retired U.S. Army infantry colonel.

Recent terror attacks and acts of violence have increased our national conversation about public safety. Acts like these may also make you feel less safe when going about your daily life. That said, remember this stat: NYIT has one of the best safety records of any college in the New York area. Our Old Westbury campus has been named one of the safest college campuses in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis.

NYIT is committed the safety and well-being of its community members, and regularly upgrades its support services/precautions, communications, and plans to address a wide range of emergency situations.

Though NYIT campuses are historically safe, you should always be aware of your surroundings and have a plan to respond to any type of emergency—whether on campus or off. Emergencies may range from what to do in a snowstorm, to how to help someone who is injured, to the most extreme scenario of gun violence or terrorism.

To make your plan, use the following resources:

Update Your Contact Information for NYIT's Emergency Alerts

Make sure to submit your up-to-date phone numbers for NYIT Alerts, a mass text and voice messaging notification system for emergency communications at NYIT. Read more.

Be Aware: Take Precautions On and Off Campus

When you see something, say something. In the event of an emergency, always call 911 first, then call NYIT Security (if you're on campus). View NYIT Security phone numbers.

There are many things you can do to protect your safety, from guarding your belongings, to listening carefully to public transportation announcements, to traveling home with a friend after a late night out.

• Read a list of safety tips, including the Campus Alone program.

Learn How to Respond to Violent Situations

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has created resources on what to do in the event of gun violence, including a "Run, Hide, Fight" simulation video. Watch the video (note: some people may find this content is graphic.)

Find out more about NYIT's emergency procedures.