Personal Safety
Pedestrians
The University campus is a remarkably safe place. However, there is no denying the fact that some people prey on others. As a result, we urge you to consider some small steps you can take to keep yourself safe - here on campus or anywhere else.
- Walk confidently; look ahead and make eye contact.
- At night, walk with a friend if possible. If you must walk alone, call the University Police Department's Escort Service at 624-WALK(9255). From a campus phone, dial 4-WALK.
- If you are walking alone at night, wear a whistle around your neck. Do not wear a stereo headset when you are walking alone. Be aware of the people and environment around you.
- If you believe someone is following you, go to the nearest place where there are other people. If possible, call 9-1-1 from that place.
- Walk near the street curb. Avoid bushes, dark doorways, and other places where someone could be concealed. Do not walk in secluded areas.
- Avoid short cuts. Take well-traveled and well-lit walkways.
- Trust your instincts. If someone makes you uncomfortable, even in daylight, do what is necessary to move away from them. If you feel threatened by an approaching car or person, scream and run the opposite direction.
- Know the locations of the campus phones. Please call 626-PARK(7275) to request a showing the emergency phone locations. In general, there are emergency phones located near the entrances of the parking lots, and in the elevator lobbies of parking ramps. In addition, campus phones and special blue light phones are scattered throughout campus near common pedestrian routes.
Vehicle Safety
Because of their open nature and location at the fringes of gathering places, parking lots evoke a feeling of unease in many people's minds. Most people are fearful of car-jacking and of breaking down on some dark, deserted street.
In a lot or on the road, there are several things you can do to protect yourself:
- If you are returning to your vehicle, have your car keys in hand before leaving your present location (office, classroom, etc.). You are most vulnerable when you are distracted, and you will be most distracted while digging for your keys .
- If you will be returning to your vehicle at night, park in a place that will be well lit when you return.
- Before leaving your vehicle, roll up the windows. Never forget to lock your car. When you return to your vehicle, look around it and inside it before you get in. If something looks "wrong" keep walking. Find a phone and call 9-1-1.
- Anytime you are in your vehicle, keep the doors locked and the windows closed.
- If you are struck lightly from behind, and fear that it is an attempt to steal your car,drive away if you can do so safely. Call 9-1-1 as soon as possible and report the incident.
- If someone does attempt to "car jack" you, give them the car! It may be a nice car, but it is not worth your life.
- Avoid breaking down by keeping your vehicle well maintained. Make sure you have enough gasoline to reach your destination.
- If your vehicle breaks down, stay in it with the doors locked. If anyone stops to help, ask them to go call a tow truck or the police for you. If you are driving alone and find another motorist needing help, do not stop. Get the vehicle's license number and location and then go call 9-1-1 for help. If you have a cellular phone, use it.
- Never pick up hitchhikers.
Prevent Theft in the Workplace and the Classroom
Minimize the risk that someone will steal your property:
- Lock offices when leaving, even if only for short time.
- Don't leave strangers alone in your office.
- Lock personal items in a desk or cabinet. Many people leave there valuables in predictable (and unlocked) places in offices. Thieves know these places. They also know that they have little time to get what they want before someone comes in, so they are unlikely to tackle a lock.
- Keep exposed valuable items to a minimum. Don't leave your wallet, briefcase or purse on your desk!
- Report suspicious persons or activities. Call 9-1-1. Challenge strangers with, "May I help You?"
- Never leave your backpack, briefcase or purse alone...even for a moment. The same holds true for textbooks. There is a good resale market for these expensive items, and they are common targets or thieves.
- If you are studying or working, try to find a place where there are other people. As always, trust your instincts. If someone makes you nervous or afraid, get help.
Once again, we stress that our campus is a very safe place. But even in the safest of places, bad things can still happen. While you may not be able to eliminate the risks of daily life, you can reduce your individual chances of being the victim of a crime by being just a little careful.
back to top |
 |
Helpful Links & Info
UM Police Department
Department of Central Security
The Emergency Procedures Guide is a good campus emergency information desk reference. Download this document for immediate access in the event of an emergency.
Emergency Response Procedures Guide |
