Safety Tips
Being aware of your surroundings and prepared for unexpected situations goes
hand-in-hand with city life. We encourage you to make safety practices an
important part of all your daily routines. Here we offer a few simple tips to keep in
mind whether you are at home or out and about in the city.
Walking
- Plan your way in advance. Choose welltraveled
routes. Use discretion when talking
or walking with strangers, even if they are
offering you help. Walk with purpose.
- When possible, try to travel with friends,
whether it is daytime or evening.
- Avoid deserted areas. Do not cut through
parks, alleys, and vacant lots at night.
- If you think you are being followed, cross
the street, change direction, or go to a
public place where others are present.
- If a person confronts you and demands
your money or possessions, give what is
demanded and create a safe distance.
- Keep alert. Don’t let a conversation on your
cell phone or the use of headphones make
you unaware of your surroundings.
- Use caution when using Automated Teller
Machines (ATMs). Select one located in a
busy, well-lighted area.
Bicycles
- Use a “horseshoe” lock to secure your bike
to a bike rack.
- Register your bike with University Police.
Public Transportation
- Avoid isolated bus or train stops.
- Keep your belongings on your lap.
Driving
- Keep your car locked and use a steering
wheel locking device or car alarm.
- Keep purses and packages out of view.
- If your car breaks down, raise the hood.
Then stay inside with the doors locked.
If someone offers to help, do not open
your window or door or accept a ride;
ask them to call the police for you.
Home, Apartment, or Residence Hall
- Lock your door, even if you are leaving
just for a few minutes. Do not prop open
doors. When you leave, be sure to lock
your windows as well.
- Before you leave for a vacation, stop
newspaper delivery, have a neighbor pick
up your mail, and set your telephone bell
to the lowest volume.
- Don’t admit strangers into your building,
apartment, or room. Use a peephole to
confirm a visitor’s identity. Don’t buzz a
visitor into the building unless you are
certain who it is.
- Landlords are legally required to provide
adequate hallway lighting and deadbolt
locks on individual apartment doors. Window
locks are required in some situations.
For further information, call the South East Chicago
Commission at 324-6926.
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