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.