Safety Tips for Returning Students

From UW-Madison

August 11, 2006

As a result of a series of recent downtown Madison crime incidents, students are encouraged to maintain a heightened awareness of their own personal safety, especially if walking late at night.

Please keep in mind the following safety tips from the University of Wisconsin Police Department:

• Carry a cell phone
• Walk with a friend whenever possible.
• If you intend to consume alcohol, do so in moderation so as not to put yourself in a position of increased risk.
• Report any crime or suspicion of a crime immediately. If police are contacted within the first five minutes, they has a better chance of finding a suspect. Dial 911 for help.
• Take advantage of SAFEwalk and SAFEride programs available on campus. Call 262-5000 for detailed information or visit http://www2.fpm.wisc.edu/trans/Safe/
• Keep our head up. Do not look down or away. 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 call 263-5702 or visit http://www.danecountyrcc.com/chimera/
• Carry a whistle or personal panic alarm with you.

For more information, call (608) 264-COPS or the Offices of the Dean of Students at (608) 263-5700. Or visit http://www.uwpd.wisc.edu/Crime%20Prevention.html