Campus safety tips

It is always important for students, faculty and staff to take precautions that ensure their safety on and around campus. The UW Police Department offers the following safety tips:

• Carry a cell phone and pay attention to road signs and block numbers. Try to know your exact location at all times.
• Walk with a friend whenever possible. Never walk alone at night.
• Take advantage of SAFEwalk and SAFEride programs available on campus. Call 262-5000 for detailed information.
• Keep your head up. Do not look down or away and make brief eye contact with all people you meet.
• Use public walkways and avoid shortcuts, especially at night.
• Be aware of places along your path of travel that could conceal a criminal (shrubbery, buildings recesses, etc). Avoid or keep a distance from these areas whenever possible.
• Make sure someone knows when you leave and when to expect you back.
• If you think someone is following you, cross the street, head for a well-populated and well-lit area at night.
• Wear clothing that will allow you maximum mobility if it is necessary to run. Be prepared to drop your valuables (heavy books, packages, etc.), since these can slow you down.
• For women, take a self-defense course like Chimera. For further information about Chimera call 263-5702 or visit http://www.danecountyrcc.com/chimera/.
• Carry a whistle or personal panic alarm with you.
• Residents of University Housing are urged to keep their doors locked, especially when at home or sleeping.
• Report any crime or suspicion of a crime immediately. If you observe criminal or suspicious behavior, find safety for yourself first. Try to collect the best possible description of the suspect and call 911.
• University Health Services has information about sexual assault prevention on their Web site.

For more information, call UWPD at (608) 262-2957 or visit the UWPD Web site.