Berquam: Take care of each other at Mifflin Street Block Party

The city of Madison is preparing for a safe and fun Mifflin Street Block Party on Saturday, May 3.

However, the combination of alcohol and heightened downtown safety concerns in the wake of Brittany Zimmermann’s murder make it particularly important for students planning to attend to take care of one another, says Dean of Students Lori Berquam.

Among the tips to stay safe on Saturday from the Offices of the Dean of Students (ODOS):

• Don’t hold an “open” party. If you plan to host a party, control who enters your residence. People who have access to your residence should be guests who are known to you, and not just anyone who walks in off the street.
• No glass will be allowed on Mifflin Street. Remember to wear closed-toed shoes instead of sandals or flip-flops in case there is broken glass on the street.
• Open intoxicants are not allowed on any city street, sidewalk, terrace, alley or other public property, even if you are of legal drinking age.
• The Madison Police Department (MPD) may cite students and parties that fail to comply with noise, party, glass and alcohol restrictions. MPD will forward any citation information back to ODOS, and you could face sanctions that could impact your student status.
• Go out with other people that you know and trust. Have a buddy who will watch out for you. Check in with each other throughout the day. If you get separated, pick a meeting spot outside the busy areas to reconnect. It is always a good idea to only go into a house if you have your friends with you.
• If you accept a beverage from someone, make sure that you know the person, you’ve observed the drink’s preparation and that you never leave it unattended. Exercise caution in any public setting with any beverage.
• Be careful on balconies and porches. If you have a sense that a porch is overcrowded, move back into the house, and urge other people to do so as well. Use extreme care near the ledges, as falls do happen, often resulting in serious injury.
• If you don’t feel like going out in the crowds of Mifflin Street, numerous other events will take place around campus.
• Police will be stationed throughout the Mifflin Street area. If you observe suspicious or criminal behavior or need immediate assistance, find an officer or call 911.