EUI has a security strategy intended to preserve its members (and guests), its physical assets, its reputation.
In terms of physical security tools, EUI has in place an extended 24/7 CCTV system, a 24/7 presence of Security Guards in the Control Room and Palazzo Buontalenti, one patrol performing regular (but random) checks to sensitive targets, fences, remotely controlled gates and doors.
The following strategies are intended to reduce personal security risks and secure your homeplace with some preliminary considerations:
- There’s no 0% risk: a criminal with the assault attitude and sufficient experience can overcome most of the barriers we can put;
- The most important part of our strategies set is the combination of “deterring and delaying” measures;
- Personal safety is more important of any object you may care of.
Personal security tips
Prevention and behavioral tips can help reducing the little (but existent) security risk while on-campus and outside (Florence is still a safe place, according to the last 10 years criminal statistics), where EUI chances of intervention are severely reduced. All these tips are applicable in/outside EUI.
Make “that” call. Program the EUI emergency number into your cell phone so you have it at your fingertips in the event of an emergency on campus. If you see a crime in progress or even something suspicious, don't hesitate, make the call. Emergency Number: 0039.055.4685999
Don't walk alone. In dark hours, especially in areas with public gates open, try to move around with friends or classmates. If it’s not possible, make EUI control room aware of your intentions so they can “check point” you in some specific places.
Protect your property. Never leave items like your backpack, laptop or cell phone unattended — even if it's just for a minute. Make it a habit to take these valuables with you.
Report solicitors. Magazine subscriptions, donation requests, spa packages, and "earn money now" schemes are some of the common methods criminals use to take your money. Avoid solicitors' scams by politely saying no and immediately notifying EUI safety & security. Never provide a solicitor with your personal information.
Be alert on public transportation. Stay awake and keep your personal belongings close to you. Sit near the door or the driver. If someone's harassing you, don't hesitate; tell the driver or call 112.
Secure your vehicle. College parking lots and structures are common targets for thieves. Never leave valuables in your car or items in plain view. Take items like GPS devices, removable stereo faceplates, and electronics with you. Make sure your windows are up and the doors are locked. Apply a security device or set the alarm.
Keep personal information private. Avoid becoming a victim of identity theft by carrying only the necessary items in your wallet or purse: Id for identification (please note that in Italy, being identifiable by Law Enforcement Forces is compulsory). Don't give personal information to solicitors.
Keep your room/house locked. Even if you're going next door to a friend's room, always grab your keys and lock the door. A propped open door is a perfect target for would-be thieves and allows them quick and easy access to your belongings. If your room has additional doors and windows, always be sure they are closed and locked as well.
Protect your bike. If you ride a bike, register it with EUI Safety_Security. Registering your bike helps improve the likelihood of recovery if stolen. Always use a high-quality, hardened steel "U" lock. For optimum security, lock both the front and frame to the bike rack.
Empower yourself. If you feel comfortable with it, enroll in a self-defense course. Try to enroll with a friend. These courses are designed to give you the tools that may help keep yourself and your community safe. Don’t expect to become a super-hero with these: they are intended to provide tactical tips, behavioral tips and simple physical routines intended to provide you with precious seconds to be used to run away and ask for help.
Home security tips
EUI members do not live 24/7 at the Institute and – in some cases – commercial of EUI managed flats, are in a location that can be vulnerable. Is there something we can do in order to reduce risk level? Yes! Hereafter some tips that can be easily implemented in order to
Make Your Home Uninteresting:
Criminals choose their target (from a robust statistical evidence) considering the risk/benefit ratio. Eg. A robber can easily select a victim via observing a “fat wallet” showing off a back pocket rather than choosing a poorly dressed man (no discrimination here: this is the application of the behavioral observation of countless researches on the victimology).
By the same approach: make your home look solid from the outside (light activated with motion detection – energy saving and very cheap to implement; low shrubbery; a solid door, etc…). If it’s not the case, just start installing exterior lighting for all sides of your house and yard.
- If possible, install a CCTV system (if you’re the owner of the place you live, else an agreement with the landowner can help);
- Keep your doors, windows and garage locked when you’re home;
- Keep grass maintained and bushes trimmed (especially those near entry points);
- Keep windows clean, clear of clutter and securely locked;
- Keep valuables such as jewelry, laptops or other electronics out of plain sight;
- Give the impression you home is live (leave the radio on and light);
- Avoid daily routine as much as you can;
- Observe your surroundings when entering and exiting your home;
- Assign tasks to each family member in the case of a home invasion;
- Designate a safe room or location where the entire family should meet;
- Define a family code word to identify who and where you are.