It's All Fun and Games...

Summer officially began on June 21, but for most of us the summer started long before. Summer is a good time to explore this great city, prepare for new adventures and take new risks in life. All while embarking on the NEW YORK CITY Chapter in your book of life, ALWAYS remember to PLAY IT SAFE.

Here are a few tips on how to stay safe during YOUR NEW YORK SUMMER!

• Avoid drawing attention to yourself as a tourist: don't stand on street corners looking at maps and do your best to walk confidently, as this will deter many criminals.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• In crowded subways, keep your wallet in your front pocket, rather than the rear, and keep your purse closed and held in front of you or on the side.
• Don't flaunt jewelery, cameras or cash in public. If you need to organize your wallet, duck into a store.
• Use caution when using ATMs and don't carry too much cash around with you -- most places accept credit cards and there are ATMs everywhere.
• After dark, stick to main streets if you don't know where you are going.If you feel uncomfortable or lost, approach a police officer or a friendly store owner to get your bearings or directions.
• When in doubt of your destination or the safety of a neighborhood, take a cab, especially late at night.
• Many business districts are desolate at night -- keep this in mind when deciding whether to walk or take a cab.
• If taking the subway late at night, stand near the "During off hours trains stop here" sign or in view of the Metro-Card booth. Ride in cars with more people and preferably in the conductor's car (you will see him look out the window of the train when it stops).

Tips Courtesy of GoNYC: http://gonyc.about.com/od/planyourtriptonyc/a/is_nyc_safe.htm

Images Courtesy of Tree Hugger: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/07/2009-summer-streets-new-york-city-nyc-august-car-free-roads.php

--Submitted by Mia Wright-Ross, William Street RA

September Program of the Month

Congratulations to Liz Irwin, Loeb Hall RA, for her September program about Self-Defense!

Liz and fellow RA Markesha McCoy (Stuy Park) introduced special guest, self-defense instructor Primwatee Groover (Prim) in the Loeb Hall art studio on September 9th. Prim was invited to teach residents how to defend themselves in threatening sitations, become more aware of the increased risk of attacks in the first few weeks of school and learn facts about New York City attacks. A former trainer to Olympic fighters and world champions, Prim volunteered her time outside of her studies as a student at The New School for General Studies.

In addition to Prim's presentation, those in attendance were given information about a local organization, Safe Horizon, whose mission it is to provide support, prevent violence, and promote justice for victims of crime and abuse, their families and communities. Donations were collected for the organization as well. Learn more about Safe Horizon by visiting their website at: http://www.safehorizon.org/

Great job, Liz!

No swine flu for you.... tips on staying healthy.

As you know, the H1N1 virus (swine flu) is something to take seriously. While The New School has properly planned for this flu season to be a tougher one than most, here are some things that you can do to stay healthy and prevent it from hitting home.

1. Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing and discard any tissues used.
2. Wash those hands! Before you eat, when you get off the subway, after class.... and of course after you cough or sneeze. Ensure that you're washing them with soap and warm water and wash for at least 20 seconds.
3. Use the hand sanitizing stations around campus and keep a small bottle with you for when you can't get to a sink.
4. Avoid spreading germs by not touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
5. Sanitize your room often. You and your roommates, your friends and their guests... everyone is touching everything so take precautions by wiping down doorknobs, keyboards, telephones, fridge and microwave handles and anything else used frequently.
6. Get a flu shot! Your regular physician or Student Health Services at The New School has more information about getting a flu shot this season.
7. Stay informed! The flu is spread by from person-to-person by coughing or touching those who are sick. If you have questions check out New School Student Health Services where you'll find information on what to do if you're sick and how to manage your anxiety.

You can never be too careful

With a population of over 8 million, you wouldn't think that NYC would rank the safest among 25 U.S. cities. Well it does! That doesn't mean, however that you shouldn't always be aware of your surroundings and remember safety first while living in The Big Apple. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Be aware of who is around you
2. Avoid empty subway cars
3. Never display large amounts of cash out in the open
4. Keep you wallet in your front pants packet rather than the back
5. Be aware of your purse or wallet in commotions
6. Stay in populated areas
7. How you carry yourself is crucial. Look confident in where you are going, how you walk and what you are doing
8. Clutch your purse/bag securely under your arm
9. If there are two of you, place handbags between you instead of on the outside
10. Turn rings around, so the gems face your palm
11. Keep necklaces tucked under your clothing
12. If someone is harassing you on the street, then go into a populated store or shop or find a police officer
13. If you are being mugged then it's better to give the mugger what he/she wants. Your life is worth more than the cash in your pocket!
14. Try to walk in the middle of the sidewalk and not next to the buildings or the street. At night, stay close to the street so that you can flag down help if the nearby stores are closed

Check out the NYC.GOV site for more college student safety tips!

Always remember that you can easily get in touch with New School Security by speaking to a security officer in any New School building or by calling 212.229.5101. You can also reach someone on the 24 hour emergency line at 212.229.7001.

Stay Safe!