Handheld personal alarm devices are available at the Pro Shop in the Recreation Center and can be rented for free.
The black handheld plastic device is equipped with an alarm and a flashlight. It is small enough to fit in a pants pocket.
The Recreation Center posted on Instagram Nov. 7, explaining how the device works.
“If you ever feel threatened, simply pull the strap out to activate the piercing sound that will scare away any attacker and alert others that you are in danger,” was written in the post.
The devices have been available since business administration senior Dylan Hyer started working at the Pro Shop Summer 2017. Hyer has yet to rent a device to a student.
“No one really knows about it,” Hyer said.
Hyer has never personally rented out an alarm device.
“I’m a guy so it’s different, I don’t feel unsafe ever,” Hyer said. “I know for females, it’s a good idea because there are some weirdos out there.”
Devices are rented out on an overnight basis and meant to provide safety for students walking home in the dark.
“You can rent it out on your walk home and return it the next day,” Hyer said.
Kinesiology senior Rachel Panek said she didn’t know about the devices but would definitely use one.
“I wake up at 6 a.m. to go to work and walk to my car in the dark,” Panek said. “It sucks that I have to feel unsafe walking in the dark but having an alarm device would definitely make me feel more safe.”
Personal alarm devices can be rented with a PolyCard. The Pro Shop is open Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. and Saturday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.