Top tips for when daylight is shorter

During the winter months, when the daylight is shorter, it's important to be aware but not afraid. Continue reading for top tips on staying visible and safe and raising awareness of your personal safety.

• Do you know the rules for riding a bike in the dark?

• Or why it's important to keep your phone charged? How much charge does yours have right now?

Walking around campus and your local area

• Campus is a safe space, that is well-lit and has staff at all times. However, if you feel unsafe please phone campus security at 0115 951 3013 they are available 24 hrs 7 days a week.

• Plan your route wherever you go, and be aware of any darker areas or less busy areas.

• Stay on the main roads, and avoid shortcuts.

• Always have your phone charged. Phones also have torches on them.

• Let someone know where you are going.

• Use tracking apps.

If you ever feel unsafe call 101 or in emergencies, 999 Carry personal alarms.

It's important to remember these are tips to stay safe, visible and aware. To keep your safety at the forefront of your mind, not to be afraid, but to enjoy whatever you do in a safe manner.

Keeping your home safe

• Keeping your home safe.

• Ensure all windows (especially the ground floor) are closed.

• Lock your valuables away and out of sight. If you have anything valuable that's easy to see through your window, consider moving it away.

• Close curtains and blinds in the evenings to prevent visibility into your home.

• Use a light timer, to turn on lights, this will make your home look like someone is in even when there isn't. Avoid leaving any spare keys in obvious places.

• Keep any gates closed and if possible locked.

• Park your car in well-lit areas. Before leaving your car have your house keys ready either in your pocket or your hand.

• Always lock your car.

• Register valuable items with Immobilise, the UK's national property register

Personal Safety

• Wear reflective/bright clothing or accessories. Dark clothing very often means you can't be seen by traffic.

• Be aware of your surroundings, and make sure your phone is fully charged before leaving home.

• Don't just rely on your phone as a source of money. Put some money in a pocket/bag, enough for a taxi back home.

• When out with friends, have a designated meeting point. • Out for the night? Let friends know where you are going. Use the 'What 3 words' app.

• Feel in an uncomfortable situation in a pub/club. Go to the bar and Ask for Angela, this is a campaign helping you in unsafe situations in pubs and clubs.

• Use a licensed taxi - text UNICAB to 80818 for a fixed price Walking home? Stay in your group and stay in well-lit areas.

• Walking home - Phone Strut Safe, this is a free UK-wide phone line. They have volunteers to chat with to keep you safe until you are through your door. Fridays and Saturdays 19:00 - 01:00 call 0333 335 0026.

Cycling at Night

• Be bright and wear reflective clothing.

• Use your lights.

• Know your route.

• Keep your bike in good condition.

• Be alert!

• Don't wear earplugs/headphones and listen to music/podcasts etc.

• Always wear a helmet!

• Let someone know where you are going, and have your mobile fully charged.

Fact!

The use of bike helmets was found to reduce head injury by 48% and serious head injury by 60%!

National Institutes of Health.gov

Highway Code

At night your cycle must have a white front and red rear lights lit. It must be fitted with a red rear reflector. White front reflectors and spoke reflectors will also help you be seen. Flashing lights are permitted but it is recommended that cyclists who are riding in areas without street lighting use a steady lamp.