Planning makes good sense no matter what you are trying to accomplish.  It could be tackling that big project you have this semester, or figuring out how to squeeze everything you have to do into your daily schedule.  Planning is what helps you get “it” done, no matter what “it” is.

The same is also true about your personal safety and well-being.  As I write this, the devastation from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma have just turned much of Texas and Florida into devastated areas.  Many of the people who had to be evacuated did not plan!  They didn’t think a problem of this magnitude could ever happen to them, and so they lived in denial until it was too late.  They did not effectively plan for evacuating when confronted with a natural disaster, even when they heard the warnings about how bad things could get.  With just a bit of planning, many of the millions affected could have (pardon the pun) “weathered” the storm.

It amazes me that time and time again relief agencies, first responders and the Federal government have to step in to rescue people who were too stubborn to heed warnings of impending danger.  These people were in denial, and it could have cost them their lives.

You must not be in denial about what can possibly happen to you during your time in college.  Threats from both people and nature can threaten your personal safety and security in an instant.  The time to prepare is BEFORE the need arises.

Take some time to think about what potential threats to your safety exist near your school.  If you are away at school, you are probably not going to be familiar with the local area and any natural threats that could be a problem for you.

Threats from nature:

• Do you attend college near a river or coast?  Flooding is a serious concern.
• How about train tracks and major highways that pass nearby your campus?  There is a possibility of a chemical or hazardous waste spill that could force a quick evacuation.
• What about wildfires?  If you live or go to school in the western part of the U.S., that may be something to think about.
• Dangers from lightning, hail, snow, and ice can all present a threat to you as well.

Threats from people:

• Demonstrations on campus can sometimes turn ugly; be prepared for the potential for a riot or violence during them.
• Various crimes and assaults both on and off-campus are a concern; know your surroundings and always operate in a state of heightened awareness.
• Terrorism is an uncomfortable reality; be vigilant and observant.
• Active shooters target college campuses 17% of the time; know the 3 steps to staying safe during an active shooter event.

The bottom line is that you simply must be aware of what threats exist to your personal safety as you go about your day both on and around campus.  Ask yourself the tough questions before you need the answers.  Knowing what to do ahead of time will significantly reduce the time required to decide on a course of action.  That small time differential may be the difference between staying safe and being caught in a dangerous situation.

A little planning can go a long way!