Safety on campus
All UQ campuses have security callpoints in strategic locations, and are patrolled 24-hours-a-day. An emergency phone number is effective all hours for an immediate security response. A freecall number is also available for general inquiries.
UniSafe is a personal safety awareness program that operates on all three major campuses. Initiatives include two free services operating after dark:
- UniSafe Escort service (available on the St Lucia, Ipswich and Gatton campuses), whereby students and staff can ask to be accompanied while walking to on-campus locations; and
- Safety Bus service (UQ St Lucia) linking main buildings, colleges, carparks and public transport stops. Also see: Safety Bus timetable
To contact Security in an emergency (all hours), dial 336 53333 (internal: 53333)
General (eg UniSafe Escorts, information): 336 51234, or 1800 800 123 (free call)
Personal Safety tips
Taking good care of yourself and being aware of your surroundings will help you to stay safe and happy during your stay. Please read the following tips:
Some personal safety tips include:
- Avoid wearing headphones when you are walking, so that you can hear what is happening around you
- Carry change for a phone call in case of emergency. Mobile phones are good for emergencies and consider getting a personal duress alarm if you will often walk alone
- Keep handbags, purses and wallets close to your body. Be prepared to give these up if someone tries to snatch them (this lessens the chance of injury to yourself)
- When taking public transport, know your timetable to avoid long waits. Avoid lonely closed-in bus shelters and keep in full view of cars/buses and people
- Be wary of strangers, on foot or in cars, asking directions – it’s better to be rude than to be in trouble
- If someone follows you, go to a place where there are other people. If threatened, dial 000 (a free call to the Police) or on campus dial Security (3365 3333)
- Respect your intuition. Don’t allow “rationality” to override your “sixth-sense” – it could protect you from danger.
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Safety off campus
Safety when out and about
Community Safety for Chinese Students in Queensland
The Queensland Police Service's Community Safety and Crime Prevention Branch recently produced a Chinese Language Crime Prevention and Community Safety DVD, providing simple strategies to help Chinese students safely enjoy their stay in Australia.
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-Tgz4lVGy0
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugfl6hwzLQA&feature=related
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Beach safety
| Things to consider when at the beach: |
| Swimming in the ocean |
Take care when swimming in the surf and pay particular attention to hazards such as waves and rips.
Before you go swimming in the surf, visit the Surf Lifesaving Queensland website to get information on how to handle potential surf hazards (rips and currents). Along Australia’s coastline, there are surf lifesaving clubs with volunteer Surf Lifesavers who select safe swimming areas and patrol them in case anyone gets into trouble in the water. They use red and yellow flags on the beach to indicate the safe swimming areas.
Do not underestimate the dangers of swimming alone or in a non-patrolled area.
To stay surf-safe, always follow these basic rules:
- Always swim with at least one other person in case you need help
- Always swim between the red and yellow flags: they mark the safe swimming area
- Do not swim directly after a meal – wait at least one hour
- Do not swim when the beach is closed – the red flag and the beach closed sign mean you must stay out of the water
- Do not panic if you get caught in a current – wave one arm above your head and float until help arrives
- Do not swim far out from the shore when the yellow flag is flying – this means take caution in the surf
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| In the sun |
Use adequate protection, see advice below, when going out in the sun – particularly during between the hours of 10am and 2pm. Refer to the Sunsmart website for more information on how to protect yourself from the sun. Other tips include:
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Road safety
Some road rules to remember that may assist you include:
- Before crossing the road, remember to look RIGHT, LEFT then RIGHT AGAIN!
- Drivers must have a current and eligible drivers licence
- Strictly obey speed limits (note 40km/hour limit near schools at certain times of day on school days)
- Stop completely at 'Stop signs'
- Stop for pedestrians at pedestrian crossings
- If you are involved in an accident you are legally obliged to stop
- Cross the road at traffic lights (when the pedestrian light is green) or at pedestrian crossings (path across the road with black and white stripes)
- Observe ALL road signs and don’t speed
- Roundabouts – Always enter roundabouts from the LEFT
- Always wear a seatbelt and make sure your passengers do too!
- Wear a helmet when riding a bicycle, and only ride after dark if you have lights on your bicycle
- Before driving long distances, always calculate the distance between major interstate centres as they may sometimes appear closer on a map. To determine the distances between major cities, go to the following RTA website
- If you’re planning to drive a long distance, remember to always stop and rest for a while if you’re feeling tired. Make us of the free driver-reviver stops.
- Hitch-hiking is illegal in Queensland and dangerous
- Children in cars must be restrained by a baby capsule (babies and young children) or a seat belt (older children) and must ride in the back seat. Also see: Child safety in cars
- Do not drink and drive! It is illegal to drink and drive a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs either illegally or lawfully prescribed by a doctor.
Useful driving links:
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Drugs and Alcohol
- The minimum legal age for purchasing and serving alcohol in Australia is 18 years of age, and if it is not served and consumed responsibly, it may jeopardise your safety and the safety of those around you (e.g. drink driving).
- Queensland Government website has useful drug and alcohol information, including common reactions and effects it may have on your physical, emotional and mental health.
- The Australian alcohol guidelines are based on the Australian standard drink measure, which aims to provide people with important knowledge to minimise the occurrence of alcohol related risk-taking behaviour.
- Beware of drink spiking
- Never drink then drive
- Australia has many national drug and alcohol campaigns to alert people to the dangers of such activity. For more information, please refer to the Government Health website
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Tobacco
- Although the legal age for smoking tobacco is 18 years, Queensland Government has introduced strict anti-smoking laws, welcoming a healthier, cleaner environment. Read the Queensland Tobacco Laws, which includes information on no-smoking zones, including outdoor public areas and eating or drinking venues
- It is important that you obey No Smoking signs and tobacco laws, as failure to do so may result in penalties, fines and enforcement
- See Queensland's mass media campaigns, which includes television, radio and press advertisements
- If you are a smoker and thinking of quitting, visit the Australian Government website which provides information and help with quitting smoking ; Also call Quitline on 131 848
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Sexual health
- Locate Queensland Government Sexual Health Clinics in your area
- Sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS occur in all countries
- Remember to always practice safe sex and use a condom every time so that you do not contract any unwanted infections whilst you are here
- Be aware of safe sex practices and know where to get help if you need it. The University Health Service can help you with information and advice on this topic. Queensland Health also has a very good web site with information about safe sex practices, diseases and places to get confidential counselling.
Contraception
There are many methods of contraception available in Australia. Some contraceptives require a doctor’s prescription. Other forms can be readily purchased in chemists and supermarkets. They are displayed on the shelf where you can choose with or without any assistance. You can get advice about contraception from the following places:
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House and property security
- Do not leave your keys, bag or other personal belongings unattended. You are advised not to put your name and address on your keys.
- UQ Security runs a lost and found service, so contact security if you lose something on campus
- Keep doors and windows locked when at home and when sleeping.
- Do not open your door to strangers
- Ensure that valuable possessions (e.g. computers, jewellery, and important documents such as your passport) are kept safe. It may be a good idea to keep a photocopy of your passport and other important documents in another place.
- You are advised to take out Contents Insurance to cover your possessions against theft, fire or damage. See Contents Insurance factsheet for more information.
- Visit the Queensland Police Service website for more information on basic safety precautions in the home.
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Useful safety links:
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