A new school year brings some new challenges for students heading to college. It is also a good time to review some safety and security tips.

If you are heading to college soon, pay attention to the safety messages and procedures during your orientation. If you move into a dorm, make sure you learn where the fire exits are located. Do you know the number for campus security or the local police department?

At the University of Pittsburgh, all students and employees receive updated security information annually. The university provides a handbook when students arrive on campus describing the code of conduct and judicial procedures. University of Pittsburgh Safety

Some campuses even have an emergency notification system where alerts are sent to your cell phone.

Point Park University in Pittsburgh offers something called the PointALERT. This tool alerts students and staff members about campus emergencies via mobile phones, e-mails and RSS feeds on the school Web site. Read more...

Here are some links to some important safety and security Web sites:

National Campus Safety Awareness Month -- A variety of programs and issues are covered including: hazing, stalking, sex assault, fire safety, alcohol and drug abuse... Read more...

CDC: College Health and Safety -- This site will encourage and teach you how to stay safe and healthy during your college years. Tips include: Developing friendships, working out, eating a balanced diet, etc. Read more...

U.S. Fire Administration: Campus Fire Safety -- Causes of fires on college campuses range from cooking to use of candles to careless smoking. The misuse of alcohol -- which impairs your judgment -- contributes to off-campus housing deaths. Read more...

Campus Firewatch: Fire Safety Right-to-Know Act -- The Fire Safety Right-to-Know Act will require colleges and universities to report fire safety information annually to the U.S. Secretary of Education and to make this information available to the public. Read more... -- Campus Firewatch Radio

Harvard's College Alcohol Study -- This study reviews lessons learned about college drinking and the implications for prevention: the need to focus on lower drink thresholds, the harms produced at this level of drinking for the drinkers, the secondhand effects experienced by other students and neighborhood residents and more... Read more...

StopHazing.org -- This site looks at hazing laws, types of hazing and even provides alternatives to hazing. Read more...

USDA: Food Safety Tips for College Students -- Many students will arrive at school with a microwave oven, tabletop grill, mini-fridge and toaster-oven in tow. Most students, however, don't know there are food safety considerations when cooking with these appliances. Read more...

Bicycle Safety for College Students -- Bicycling to and from class can help keep students in good physical shape, and many students find than they save time because parking is more convenient and closer to campus. Read more...

And here is one more tip... if you grew up in or just moved to Pittsburgh, you can always stay in touch with the news of the day on ThePittsburghChannel.com or your Web enabled phone, Blackberry or PDA device at wap.wtae.com.

Have a fun year and be safe.