Clery Act Timely Warning – Safety tips for the Boise State community
Your safety matters. The list of tips below is designed to help you take proactive steps in reducing risk and staying aware while on and around campus. It’s important to remember: no one is ever responsible for a crime except the person who chooses to commit it. These tips are intended to help you feel more prepared, but they are not foolproof.
In an emergency, always call 9-1-1 right away. For non-emergencies or urgent concerns—such as suspicious activity or if you’re unsure whether something is an emergency—contact the Department of Public Safety at (208) 426-6911 or through the Rave Guardian app.
Disclaimer: This list provides general information and should not be considered legal advice.
Prevention Tips:
Stay with trusted friends: Go to social gatherings with people you trust and look out for one another.
Protect your drinks: Avoid leaving drinks unattended and don’t accept drinks from strangers or people you don’t fully trust.
Set and respect boundaries: Be clear and assertive about your boundaries and always respect others’ boundaries.
Be mindful of alcohol and drugs: Substances can be misused by perpetrators to take advantage of others. If you notice someone who appears impaired or vulnerable, step in or get help.
Know consent: Consent must be clear, mutual, ongoing, and can be withdrawn at any time. A person who is intoxicated, asleep, or unconscious cannot consent.
Communicate assertively: If you feel uncomfortable or threatened, speak up or leave the situation.
Report incidents: Immediately report sexual harassment, assault, or concerning behavior to Public Safety at (208) 426-6911 or local law enforcement.
Be cautious when meeting new people: If using dating apps or connecting with someone new, meet in public places, let a friend know your plans, and arrange your own transportation.
Trust your instincts: If something feels wrong, act quickly to protect yourself or get help.
Strengthen skills: Consider self-defense or personal safety classes to build confidence and situational awareness.
Look out for others: If you see someone in a potentially risky situation, check in, create a distraction, or call for help.
Lean on support: Campus resources and advocacy groups can provide confidential safety planning and emotional support.
Seek help immediately: Contact counseling services, law enforcement, or crisis hotlines if you are in an abusive relationship.
Develop a safety plan: Identify safe places to go, trusted people to call, and routes to leave quickly.
Save key contacts: Keep campus safety, police, and trusted friends’ numbers easily accessible.
Avoid confrontation: If possible, do not engage in arguments with an abusive partner — focus on getting to safety.
Report all incidents: Whether on- or off-campus, reporting helps you access resources and protections.
Document abuse: Save texts, voicemails, photos, or notes about abusive incidents.
Know your legal protections: Protective orders and no-contact orders are available through the courts and the university.
Use code words/signals: Create a discreet way to alert friends or family if you’re in immediate danger.
Prepare a go-bag: Keep ID, money, medications, and essentials in a safe but accessible place if you need to leave quickly.
Access resources: Boise State’s Office of Compliance and Ethics (Title IX), Student Connections and Support Center, and community partners like the Women’s and Children’s Alliance provide confidential help.
Trust your instincts: If you feel unsafe, act on it and get help right away.
Recognize early signs: Controlling behavior, jealousy, isolation from friends, constant check-ins, or threats are red flags.
Set and communicate boundaries: Be clear about what is and isn’t acceptable in your relationship. Respect goes both ways.
Leave unsafe situations: If you feel threatened, prioritize your safety by leaving immediately and seeking help.
Document behaviors: Keep records of abusive or threatening texts, emails, or incidents.
Report concerns: Notify campus authorities or law enforcement to access resources and protective measures.
Build a safety plan: Know safe places you can go and who you can call if you need help quickly.
Lean on your network: Share your concerns with trusted friends, family, or mentors — don’t go through it alone.
Use campus and community support: Boise State’s Student Connections and Support Center, the Title IX Office,
Trust your instincts: If something feels off in your relationship, take it seriously and get support.
Recognize all forms: Hazing can be physical, emotional, psychological, or involve forced alcohol/drug use — consent does not make it acceptable.
Report immediately: Notify campus officials, the Dean of Students, Public Safety, or law enforcement. Anonymous reporting options are also available.
Look out for peers: Speak up or intervene if you see initiation practices that are unsafe, humiliating, or abusive.
Support others: Connect anyone who has experienced hazing with counseling services, advocacy resources, or reporting channels.
Choose healthy groups: Join organizations that foster belonging, respect, and leadership development without coercion or harm.
Always lock up: Secure doors and windows, even if stepping away briefly.
Don’t prop doors: Avoid leaving exterior building or apartment doors propped open.
Protect access: Do not share keys, access cards, or entry codes with others.
Keep valuables secure: Store laptops, electronics, and important documents out of sight; use a lockbox or safe if possible.
Secure sliding entries: Place dowels or locks on sliding glass doors and windows to prevent them from being forced open.
Record property details: Keep serial numbers or photos of electronics and bicycles to assist with recovery if stolen.
Create the appearance of occupancy: Leave a light, radio, or TV on when away to deter intruders.
Limit public sharing: Avoid posting travel or absence plans on social media.
Protect spare keys: Don’t hide them outside—store them securely with a trusted friend or in a lockbox.
Report suspicious activity: Contact Public Safety or local law enforcement if you see unknown individuals loitering near buildings, apartments, or houses, or if you notice signs of forced entry.
Report maintenance issues: Notify property managers, landlords, or Housing maintenance (if on campus) if you find broken locks, doors, or windows.
Support community safety: If you see a door left open or unsecured, notify Public Safety.
Always lock your vehicle: Close all doors and windows fully, and take your keys — even for short absences.
Do not leave valuables visible: If unavoidable, store them in the trunk or out of sight.
Park smart: Choose well-lit, secure areas or designated campus lots whenever possible.
Never leave it running unattended: Even quick stops can create easy theft opportunities.
Use anti-theft devices: Steering wheel locks, alarms, wheel locks, or GPS trackers discourage theft.
Secure license plates and wheels: Install anti-theft screws or locks where possible.
Protect bikes and scooters: Use a sturdy U-lock through the frame and wheel, not just a cable lock, and register your bike or scooter if programs are available.
Safeguard documents: Keep registration, insurance, and personal information secured, not left in plain view.
Report suspicious activity: Call Public Safety or law enforcement immediately if you see someone tampering with or loitering around vehicles.
Be alert when walking: Especially at night or in unfamiliar areas, stay aware of your surroundings.
Keep valuables out of sight: Conceal phones, laptops, jewelry, or cash when in public.
Walk with confidence: Stick to well-lit, populated areas and walk with friends when possible.
Trust your instincts: If something feels wrong, change direction, head to a safe public space, or call for help.
Stay light: Avoid carrying more than you can handle, which can slow your response.
Be safe at ATMs: Use machines in well-lit, busy locations and shield your PIN when entering it.
If threatened: Do not resist—your safety is more important than possessions.
Report immediately: Call 9-1-1 if you’re robbed or threatened, then notify Public Safety at (208) 426-6911.
Avoid confrontations: Walk away from arguments or heated situations before they escalate.
Stay visible: Stick to well-lit, populated areas where others are present.
Head to safety: If followed or harassed, move toward the nearest public place or Blue Light Emergency Phones.
Report early: Don’t ignore warning signs—report threats, stalking, or escalating conflicts before they become dangerous.
Limit risk around substances: Alcohol and drugs can fuel aggression; avoid engaging in conflicts when people are impaired.
Stay connected: Keep your phone accessible, and share your location with a friend if you’re concerned.
Build skills: Consider self-defense or de-escalation training to prepare for unexpected situations.
Review emergency guidance: Review active-shooter information on the Department of Public Safety website, including watching the Run, Hide, Fight video.
Trust your instincts: If a situation or person makes you feel unsafe, leave the area and get to a safe location.
Avoid isolation: Don’t walk alone in poorly lit or secluded areas—use the buddy system whenever possible.
Stay alert: Keep your head up, limit phone use, and remove earbuds so you can stay aware of your surroundings.
Report suspicious activity: If you notice concerning behavior, vehicles, or individuals, contact Public Safety at (208) 426-6911 or call 9-1-1 in an emergency.
Secure your space: Always lock residence doors, windows, and vehicles, even when you’re inside.
Build confidence: Consider taking a personal safety or self-defense course to increase your awareness and skills.
Rely on resources: Use services like security escorts, the Rave Guardian app, and BroncoAlerts to stay connected and informed.
Do not leave flammable materials: Keep trash, recycling, or combustibles away from buildings.
Never tamper with fire equipment: Do not interfere with alarms, sprinklers, or extinguishers.
Know your safety tools: Learn where fire extinguishers and evacuation routes are located in your building.
Use heat sources safely: Never leave candles, stoves, ovens, or heaters unattended.
Respect campus policies: Open flames, fireworks, and grills are not allowed in campus housing and restricted in most public areas.
Store fuels responsibly: Keep gasoline, lighter fluid, or other flammable liquids out of living spaces.
Keep exits clear: Do not block hallways, stairwells, or doors with personal items.
Take alarms seriously: Always evacuate when an alarm sounds.
Report hazards or concerns: Contact Public Safety if you see suspicious behavior, people loitering near stairwells or fire escapes, or damage to fire safety systems.
Report immediately: Notify Public Safety or law enforcement about hate speech, intimidation, vandalism, or assault.
Do not engage: Avoid confrontation or retaliation — allow authorities to investigate.
Document and preserve evidence: Take photos and save communications, but do not clean or remove any vandalism until investigators review it.
Support affected peers: Offer compassion and connect them with counseling or advocacy services.
Know reporting options: Reports can be made directly to Public Safety, Title IX, or through anonymous programs like Silent Witness.
Stay in safe spaces: When concerned, remain in public areas and make use of safety escorts.
Encourage community accountability: If you witness bias or harassment, speak up safely and support a culture of respect.
Know the rules: Follow all campus policies and Idaho laws on alcohol.
Avoid underage drinking: Do not participate in or encourage drinking by those under 21.
Drink responsibly if of age: Avoid excessive use and know your limits. Never feel pressured to drink more than you want.
Plan your way home: Never drink and drive — use a rideshare, taxi, or designated driver.
Stay aware of your drink: Keep beverages in sight and don’t accept drinks from people you don’t fully trust.
Intervene early: If someone’s alcohol use is unsafe — such as unconsciousness, vomiting, or confusion — call for help immediately.
Use Broncos Act amnesty: Boise State will not discipline students who seek medical help in alcohol-related emergencies. Safety always comes first.
Look out for friends: Attend events together, check in often, and leave together when possible.
Access support: Wellness Services, Counseling, and recovery programs provide resources for those struggling with alcohol use.
Know the rules: Understand campus policies and Idaho laws regarding controlled substances.
Avoid illegal use: Do not use or possess illegal drugs, and don’t share or sell prescription medications.
Report drug activity: If you see drug activity on campus, contact Public Safety.
Secure prescriptions: Store medications safely, in original containers, and never share them.
Recognize risks: Be aware of dangers related to fentanyl, xylazine, and other synthetic substances that can be life-threatening even in small amounts.
Avoid risky environments: Stay away from gatherings where illegal drug use is occurring.
Don’t mix substances: Combining drugs with alcohol or other medications increases health risks.
Seek support: Use campus counseling, Wellness Services, or recovery programs if you or someone you know needs help.
Use Broncos Act amnesty: Students who seek medical help for a drug-related emergency won’t face conduct penalties from the university.
Know the rules: Learn what is and isn’t allowed under Policy #12080 — especially if you hold a permit, participate in ROTC, or carry pepper spray.
Keep weapons off restricted areas: Even with legal carry, avoid bringing weapons into residence halls, entertainment facilities, or other buildings explicitly restricted under policy.
Report violations immediately: If you see someone carrying or displaying a weapon in a non-exempt area or acting threateningly, call Public Safety at (208) 426-6911 or 9-1-1.
Do not bring look-alikes or replicas: Items that look like weapons can cause alarm and may be treated as real weapons under policy.
Review emergency guidance: Review active-shooter information on the Department of Public Safety website, including watching the Run, Hide, Fight video.
Responsible use of permitted items: If you have pepper spray or lawful concealed weapons (where allowed), carry them safely and only use them for self-defense or in situations defined by law/policy.
Stay informed: Keep up with changes to campus policy or local laws regarding weapons.