ATM Safety
Jogging Safety
Laboratory Safety and Security
Late Night Safety
Office Safety and Security
Personal Safety
Public Transportation Safety
Residence Safety and Security
Safety Basics
Theft - the most reported campus crime!
Vacation Safety and Security
Vehicle Safety and Security

The Northwestern University campuses are not sanctuaries from crime. Realizing you could be a victim is the first step in self - protection. Students, faculty and staff members can help make this special community a safer place to learn, live and work.

Do your part to protect yourself and others by being alert, safety conscious and knowledgeable.

ATM Safety

• Try to plan your ATM visits during the day, rather than after dark.
• Choose an ATM location that is in a busy public place.
• Be ready - have your card handy but not in plain view.
• Try to have someone with you, especially if you must use an ATM at night.
• Stand directly in front of the machine so that no one can see you enter your personal identification number.
• Cancel your transaction if anything seems suspicious and return later.
• Pocket your money immediately. You can count it later.
• If you loose your ATM card, immediately report it.

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Jogging Safety

• Jog with a known companion in familiar and public areas facing traffic.
• Do not jog after dark and vary your route and pattern of running.
• Remain Alert - if you think you are being followed, go to a well - lit public area, an open store or private residence and draw attention to yourself.
• If on campus, use “Blue Light” emergency phones which connect directly to University Police.
• Wear bright colored clothing to improve your visibility.
• Jog away from bushes and structures where someone could hide.

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Laboratory Safety and Security

• Assess your laboratory for hazardous materials and security risks.
• Develop and implement security procedures for your laboratory group. Train your laboratory group on these security procedures and assign responsibilities.
• Control access to areas where hazardous materials are used and stored.
• Close and lock laboratory doors when no one is present.
• Do not leave hazardous materials unattended or unsecured at any time.
• Limit laboratory access to those individuals who need to be in the lab.
• Restrict off-hours access to individuals authorized by the principal investigator.
• Escort guests to and from the laboratory.
• Approach people you do not recognize and ask if you can help direct them.
• Know what hazardous materials are being ordered and shipped to your laboratory.
• Take periodic inventory of all highly hazardous chemicals, biological agents / toxins, radioactive materials, and controlled substances.
• Properly dispose of unneeded hazardous materials.
• Report any missing inventory or suspected unauthorized access immediately to University Police and the Office of Research Safety.

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Late Night Safety

• Try to avoid working or studying alone in a building at night.
• If you must work or study late, let someone you trust know where you are and when you will be done.
• While in class, the library, office or lab, never leave your wallet, purse, laptop or other valuables unattended.
• Keep your office door closed and locked.
• When leaving your office for the day, make sure all windows are closed and locked, all valuable items removed or properly secured and that desk etc. are closed and locked.
• If you are leaving your office or room, even if only for a few minutes, close / lock the door.
• Never prop open a door for someone who will be joining you or allow others to enter with you.
• Keep emergency phone numbers handy in case of intrusion, fire or other emergency.

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Office Safety and Security

• Be cautious about isolated areas, such as library stacks, remote classrooms or laboratories especially after normal business / class hours.
• Make arrangements to work or study with a trusted classmate or friend.
• Let others know where you'll be and when you plan on returning. Avoid entering an elevator which is occupied by only one other person who is a stranger.
• In an elevator, stand near the controls and locate the emergency button. If you are assaulted in an elevator, hit the emergency or alarm button, and press as many floor buttons as possible.
• Ask unescorted visitors entering your office area to identify themselves and who they are there to see.
• Request identification from persons who wish to repair or remove equipment.
• Contact University Police immediately if a person appears suspicious, won't identify him or herself or asks for a person who does not work in your area.
• Take time to familiarize yourself with building evacuation and fire safety plans.
• Secure computers and other valuable equipment with lock down devices from the University Facilities Management department. Devices are available for computers and most electronic equipment.
• Devices are available for computers and most electronic equipment.
• Keep an accurate key-control log and recover keys from staff or students who no longer need them.
• Report stolen keys to University Police and lost keys to Facilities Management.
• Keep all valuables locked away and your office door secured when you leave your office, even if you are away for only a short period of time.

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Personal Safety

• Use well-lit and busy sidewalks. Try to avoid deserted sidewalks, vacant lots and alleys.
• Always take the safest route, even if it's a little longer.
• If you feel you are being followed, cross the street, head for the nearest well-lit populated area, yell for help or contact police (use a campus "Blue Light" emergency phone which connect directly to University Police).
• Travel in groups whenever possible and walk facing traffic so you can see approaching cars.
• Never hitchhike.
• Use available escort and shuttle services whenever possible (especially at night).
• Don't wear stereo earplugs or headphones. They prevent you from hearing what's going on around you.
• Be careful when people stop you for directions or money. Always reply from a distance and never get too close to the car or the person.
• Look confident when you walk.
• Make eye contact with passersby and keep a firm grip on your property.
• If you are carrying a purse or bag, carry it close to your body - carry no more money or credit cards than necessary.
• Walk near the curb and avoid passing close to shrubs, dark doorways and other hiding places.
• Carry your keys in your hand so you can quickly get in your car or home.

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Public Transportation Safety

• Stay alert to your surroundings.
• Do not fall asleep while riding public transportation.
• Try to maintain a schedule that ensures plenty of people are at your bus or train stops.
• Pickpockets are a common problem at crowded train or bus stops.
• Carry a purse that has a secure and strong strap. Place wallets in your front pants or inside coat pocket.
• Be aware of loud commotions that may be staged distractions to allow pickpockets to operate.
• If possible sit near the driver or operator.
• If someone bothers you, say in a loud voice, "Leave me alone" and move to another area of the bus or train.
• If you are followed when you exit, cross the street and head for the nearest well-lit populated area, yell for help, or contact the Police.

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Residence Safety and Security

• Always lock your door - even during short naps or when you are just down the hall (even if only for a few minutes).
• Use the peep hole - make sure you know who is at the door before you open it.
• Immediately report suspicious persons / activity to University Police.
• Immediately report the loss or theft of room and or mailbox keys to residence hall staff.
• Do not prop open doors or let non-residents follow you through secured doors.
• Take time to familiarize yourself with building evacuation and fire safety plans.
• Keep items such as a checkbook, wallet, cash or jewelry out of plain sight. Secure them inside a drawer.
• Don't keep large sums of cash in your room. Open a checking account or get a credit / debit card that will replace the need to have cash on hand.
• Report any broken windows, window screens, door latches or lights that aren't functioning to residence hall staff so repairs can be made in a timely fashion.
• Require identification and authorization from all service people.
• Let a friend know where and with whom you'll be out and when you'll be returning.

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Safety Basics

• Always remember, you can become a victim of crime anytime.
• Stay alert and tuned in to your surroundings wherever you are. Be aware and prepared.
• Stand tall and walk confidently.
• Make brief eye contact with passersby and keep a firm grip on your property.
• Trust your instincts.
• If you feel uncomfortable in a place or situation, leave right away and get help if necessary.

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Theft - the most reported campus crime!

• Never leave your possessions unattended, even for a moment. Opportunity theft is the most preventable crime on campus.
• Thieves window shop. Unlocked offices, rooms and unattended property in libraries attract thieves.
• Lock your room door, even if you are going to be gone for a moment. Most thefts occur in under a minute. Unlocked doors are a thief's best friend.
• Avoid leaving messages on your door advertising your departure or arrival times to alert thieves of your absence.
• Carry only the personal information, cash and credit cards you need, and keep them secure in your wallet or purse.
• Immediately report suspicious behavior / activity and incidents of theft and missing property to University Police.
• Get to know you workplace and residence hall neighbors and watch out for each other.
• Keep a record of the serial numbers of all your valuable items.
• Never leave valuables visible in your car - take them with you or secure them in your trunk.
• GPS mapping devices and holders (dash or windshield mounted) are popular items with thieves and should never be left in a parked or unattended vehicle.
• Properly secure your bicycle, using a U - shaped alloy hardened lock, to a bike rack or stationary object. UP sells Kryptonite bike locks at cost!

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Vacation Safety and Security

• Don't publicize your travel plans - limit knowledge to those who need to know.
• Make sure you secure or remove all valuables (i.e. jewelry, computers, electronics, etc.).
• Before leaving, close and lock all windows, close all shades / drapes and lock and bolt entrance door(s).
• Ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your place and pick up your mail, newspaper and packages while you are away.
• Use timers to turn on lights, televisions or radios while you're away.
• Leave your itinerary with a trusted neighbor or friend so that someone knows where you are.
• Do not announce your absence on your answering machine.
• Turn your phone ringers down or off.
• Don't carry large amounts of cash.
• Use traveler's checks or credit cards whenever possible.
• Keep a charged cell phone with you.
• Follow other safety and security guidelines when you're away from school on holidays.

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Vehicle Safety and Security

• Park in well-lit and traveled areas and keep windows rolled up and doors locked.
• Always remove your keys from the vehicle.
• Have your keys ready when approaching your vehicle and look in your back seat before entering.
• Make sure your car runs well and has plenty of gas.
• When operating your vehicle, keep the doors locked.
• If your car breaks down, tie a white flag to the antenna and wait for help.
• Never pick up strangers and never go with a stranger who offers help. Instead, ask them to call help for you.
• If you park in a University garage, keep your access card in your wallet rather than inside the vehicle.
• Report a lost or stolen access card immediately.
• Store valuables in the car's truck or, at least, hide them from the view of someone looking through the windows.
• When stopped at traffic lights or in traffic, allow space between you and the vehicle in front of you.
• If someone approaches your vehicle and attempts to enter, blow your horn to attract attention and drive away.

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