🎥 Not My Kid

Every parent sends their child off to college with big hopes, dreams, and maybe a little bit of worry — but most never imagine tragedy could touch their family. Not my kid, we think.

In this powerful video, parents who have lost a college student share their stories. We come from different places, different backgrounds, and different experiences — but we all share one heartbreaking truth: we never thought it would happen to us.

Our loss has fueled a commitment to help keep your child safe while in college. This isn’t about fear — it’s about preparation.

For every parent who has said, “not my kid,” we urge you to pause and ask yourself: What are you doing to prepare your child for college?

Read about the College Safety Coalition below 👇, to see how you can get involved.

College Safety Coalition

We are a group of parents who have experienced the devastating loss of a child during their college years. Together, we are committed to saving lives and preventing injuries by raising public awareness, promoting education, and advocating for greater transparency in college community safety.

Learn more about who we are! CLICK HERE 👈

Accidental injuries are estimated to be the number one cause of student death.

Accidental deaths are estimated to be the leading cause of student death at college.  Federal law mandates that colleges publicly report crime, fire-related incidents, and missing persons. However,  the reporting. of incidents resulting in serious injury and student death are not required when, in reality, an accidental injury is much more likely to occur. The COREY Act calls for amending the Higher Education Act of 1965, to expand required college safety reporting to include incidents resulting in death and serious physical injury.

HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED!

Click this link to visit the online advocacy page for the COREY Safety Act, where you can email your U.S. senators and representatives to urge their support and help get this important legislation passed.

CLICK HERE 👈

Campus Safety 🛡

1️⃣ Trust Your Gut
If it feels off, it is off. Don’t overthink — just bounce.

2️⃣ Buddy Up
Walk in pairs (or packs). Late-night library? After-party trek? Bring a friend. If no friend, call campus escort 🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️.

3️⃣ Party Smart
🍕 Eat before you drink.
👀 Guard your cup like it’s your phone.
📱 Stay with your crew — leave together.

4️⃣ Lock It Up
Dorm, bike, car — every time. Even for “just a sec.”

5️⃣ Use Campus Safety Stuff
Blue light phones, ride shuttles, safety apps = your friends.

6️⃣ Be That Friend
If someone’s in trouble, check in or get help. A quick “you good?” text can change everything.

7️⃣ Share Your Location
Snapchat, Find My Friends, Life360 — whatever works. Let at least one person know where you’re at.

8️⃣ Know Your Resources
Counseling center, health clinic, RA, campus security — save their numbers before you need them.

9️⃣ Light It Up
Stick to well-lit paths at night. Shortcut through the dark? Not worth it. Also, always be aware of your surroundings!

🔟 Speak Up
If something feels sketchy — party, classroom, street — say something. Silence helps no one. #alwayslookoutforeachother ❤️

1️⃣1️⃣ Stay Alert
Heads up, not buried in your phone. Be aware of what’s happening around you.

1️⃣2️⃣ Think Before You Post
Be careful about sharing your location on social media — not everyone needs to know where you are in real time.

1️⃣3️⃣ Earned Trust Only
College = new people everywhere. Be friendly, but make others earn your trust before you count on them.

1️⃣4️⃣ Always Have a Back-Up Plan
Missed the last shuttle? Phone dies? Party feels weird? Know your exit plan before you go.

Stay smart. Stay safe. You got this. 💪

Download a PDF of our 14 Must-Have Campus Safety Tips

Campus Safety Tips 🛡

Campus Fire Safety

Did you know? September and October are the peak months for fires in dorms — most happen in the evening hours when students are relaxing, cooking, or hanging out.

🔥 It only takes seconds for a fire to spread. 🔥

✅ Stay alert — especially in the evenings.
✅ Never leave cooking unattended.
✅ Keep hallways and exits clear.
✅ Know at least two escape routes.
✅ Don’t ignore alarms — they save lives.

A few smart habits can keep you and your campus community safe.

Fire Safety Checklist for Students (pdf via campusfiresafety.org)

• CampusChecklist

College Campus Fire Safety Tips  (pdf via nfpa.org/education)

• CampusSafetyTips

RideShare Safety Tips 🚗 

• Request your ride before going outside to avoid waiting alone.
• Keep your phone charged so you can contact your driver or call for help.
• Verify the vehicle and driver by checking the make, model, license plate, and driver’s photo in the app.
• Let the driver confirm your name before getting into the vehicle.
• Check the child safety lock to ensure the door opens from the inside.
• Share your trip with a trusted friend or family member using the app.
• Ride in the back seat whenever possible.
• Always wear your seatbelt.
• Protect your personal information. Don’t share your phone number, address, or other private details.
• Never accept off-app or cash rides. Only ride with the driver assigned through the app.
• Communicate through the app instead of using your personal phone number.
• Follow your route and speak up if something doesn’t seem right.
• Travel with friends whenever possible.
• Trust your instincts. If something feels off, cancel the ride.
• Call 911 immediately if you are in danger.
• Exit in a well-lit, familiar location whenever possible.