Destination

n Walk purposely and try to appear confident.
Be wary of casual requests from strangers,
like someone asking for a cigarette or change
– they could have ulterior motives.
n Try not to carry your wallet in your back
trouser pocket where it is vulnerable and in
clear view.
n When in public, keep mobile phones, laptops
and iPods out of sight.
n If you are socialising in a public place never
leave your drink unattended.
n Use the Monash campus security services
wherever possible.
www.fsd.monash.edu/security
Public transport safety
Numerous security measures have been adopted
to maximise the safety of public transport
travellers including: security officers, police,
guards, help points, good lighting and security
cameras. Most drivers also have two-way radios
and can call for assistance.
n For late night travel on the train, sit in the first
carriage to be near the driver.
n Plan your trip and tell someone when you
expect to return home.
n Stand or sit in areas that are well lit.
n Place bags, shopping and computers on your
lap if you are seated or between your feet if
you are standing.
n If you find yourself left in a train carriage on
your own or with only one other person, you
may feel more comfortable by moving to
another carriage closer to the driver.
n Check public transport timetables in advance.
If you do have a long wait stay in well lit areas
or near open shops.
Taxis
Tips for safe taxi travel:
n You can tell the driver the route you want to
take to reach your destination.
n The driver should have photo ID on display in
the taxi.
n You have the right to choose the taxi and
driver of your preference.
n If catching a taxi from the city on the weekend
at night, go to one of the ‘Safe City’ taxi ranks
at either 8 King St, Flinders Street Station,
20 Bourke St or 200 Queen St.
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Car safety
n Always lock your car.
n Check inside the car before getting in.
n Change the place you park on a regular basis.
n Always have your car key in your hand before
entering the car park.
Road safety
n Cross the road at pedestrian (zebra) crossings
or traffic lights where possible.
n At railway level crossings, wait for the bells and
lights to stop and the boom barriers to be
raised before you cross. Many accidents occur
because pedestrians cross immediately after a
train, not realising a second train is coming.
n Never assume that an approaching vehicle will
stop for you.
n If no footpath is available, walk facing
oncoming traffic and keep as far to the right or
left side as possible.
n Keep to the left side on shared bicycle/
pedestrian paths.
n Wear bright coloured clothing at night or in
reduced visibility conditions.
Victoria Police – Community Safety:
www.police.vic.gov.au
Fire safety
In Victoria smoke alarms must be installed in all
residential buildings including homes, units, flats
and townhouses. It is the legal responsibility of
owners and landlords to install smoke alarms if
you are renting. If your residence doesn’t have
one, contact your landlord.
n Test your smoke alarm on a regular basis.
n Do not overload power boards and double
adapters.
n Computers, monitors and TVs can overheat
so they should be turned off after use.
n Clothes and curtains should be at least one
metre from heaters.
n Turn off heaters before you go to bed or leave
the house.
n Stay in the kitchen when cooking especially
when cooking with oil. Never try to put out an
oil fire with water.
n Ensure that the external doors of your home
are not deadlocked when you are in the house
so you can escape quickly if needed.