Parking lot safety at Governors State University

A sign marking west lot 2 parking lot at Governors State University as an emergency evacuation meeting point

By Christopher Goodson, Emergency Management Coordinator, Guest Writer

With new emergency evacuation assembly areas established on campus, Governors State University's (GovState) Emergency Response Team (ERT) wants to remind the community of important precautions.

To ensure safety on campus, ERT asks that the GovState community:

As pedestrians:

1. Be aware of surrounding area: Always be mindful of suspicious activities, remember “if you see something, say something.”
2. Use crosswalks: Stick to the designated pedestrian crosswalks and pathways.
3. Avoid distractions: Remain alert while walking through the parking lot.
4. Watch for reversing vehicles: Be cautious near parked cars that may reverse suddenly.
5. Avoid cutting in between cars: Drivers may not see people walking between parked cars.

As drivers:

1. Drive slowly and with caution: Maintain a speed limit between 5-10 mph to prevent accidents.
2. Avoid distracted driving: Refrain from using a cell phone or other distractions while navigating through the parking lot.
3. Yield to pedestrians: Stop at all crosswalks and allow pedestrians the right of way.
4. Yield the right of way to emergency vehicles.
5. Make a complete stop at all stop signs.
6. Do not leave valuables in your vehicle.
7. Park in well-lit areas: Stick to well-lit areas to ensure safety.

In the case of an emergency:

1. Follow emergency procedures: Follow directions and become familiar with the on-campus Emergency Communication Devices. Parking lots have a 911 kiosk and there's a 911 phone near the main entrance.
2. Become familiar with the NEW Emergency Evacuation Assembly Areas. Assembly Area signs are posted in East Lots 1, 2, and 3, West Lots 1 and 2, and near the Family Development Center.

Winter weather safety:

1. Emergency supplies: Equip your vehicle with a snow scraper, jumper cables, a flashlight, a blanket, and a gallon of water.
2. Be aware of the weather: Monitor weather updates to anticipate conditions.
3. Report hazards: Notify the Department of Public Safety of any hazards.
4. Walk cautiously: Walk slowly and when in doubt, walk like a penguin.
5. Drive cautiously: Reduce speed to account for conditions of the road.