Safety Tips
On campus and beyond, here are some tips on protecting yourself and your property.
- Always keep your residence hall room door locked, even when you are inside.
- Keep an inventory of valuable possessions and record serial numbers.
- Don’t lend your keys or access cards to anyone, and don’t mark your key chain with your name or address.
- Don’t let unfamiliar people into your room.
- Don’t prop open locked residence hall doors.
- Call Public Safety if you see strangers loitering in or around your residence hall.
- Don’t text or talk on your cell phone if it will distract you from your surroundings.
- Don’t allow strangers to use your cell phone. When possible, keep your phone out of public view. This will prevent someone from grabbing your phone and stealing it.
- Stay alert and aware of what’s going on around you.
- Avoid walking or jogging alone.
- Travel on well-known paths and streets.
- Walk or jog in well-lighted areas; stay away from alleys.
- Keep the volume on your headphones low enough to stay aware of your surroundings.
- Tell someone where you are going and when you will return.
- If you feel unsafe, scream or yell to attract attention. Consider going into a store or gas station to call police.
- If you’re on campus and feel unsafe, request a safety escort by calling Public Safety at (630) 617-3000 or ext. 3000 from any campus phone.
- Don’t leave your stuff unattended in classrooms, study areas or libraries.
- Lock your bike to a bike rack with a secure lock.
- Theft is a big crime problem. Report all thefts to the Department of Public Safety (630) 617-3000 immediately.
- Never leave your drink unattended.
- Don’t accept open-container beverages from anyone but a bartender or server.
- If you’re going to a party or a bar, bring a group of friends and watch each other’s drinks.
- Pay attention to your friends’ behavior—someone who appears disproportionately inebriated in relation to the amount of alcohol consumed may be in danger.
- If you suspect that a friend has been drugged, call 911 or get them to the nearest hospital.
- Always lock your car and close the windows.
- Do not leave packages and valuables where they can be seen.
- Do not park in isolated locations or behind obstructions that block you from the view of others.
- Consider your return time when choosing a parking location; it may be dark when you return.
- Make a note of where you parked.
- When returning to your car, check all sides before entering. Have your keys in your hand and ready before arriving at your car.
- Once inside your car, lock all doors.
- Be alert to strangers hanging around the parking area.
- Trust your instincts—leave at the first sign of danger and call Public Safety at (630) 617-3000 or ext. 3000 from any campus phone, or use a campus Emergency Blue Light phone.
- When riding a bus, use a stop that’s well lit and near a business that’s open.
- Travel with a friend or co-worker whenever possible.
- Check the bus or train schedule ahead of time, so you aren’t forced to wait longer than necessary.
- Don’t sleep on the bus or train.
- Sit near the bus driver.
- Have your money in hand to give to the driver so you won’t fumble with your wallet or purse.
- Don’t engage in unnecessary conversation with strangers. Never give out any personal information. The person you’re talking to may be fine, but others can overhear.
- Stay alert while you’re waiting for the bus or train.
- Stay in a populated, well-lit area when waiting for public transportation.
- Move away from people who appear intoxicated, even if it means going to another stop.
- Don’t share a taxi cab with a stranger.
- When using rideshare services such as Lyft and Uber, confirm that the driver and vehicle match the description in the company app. Greet the driver from outside the vehicle, and don’t get in the vehicle if you do not feel comfortable. Keep your phone open and track your route as the driver is driving; ask the driver if you question the route. Send a friend or family member the link to track your progress (this can usually be done through the company’s app). Call and talk to someone during your ride, so that you can alert them right away if anything unusual happens.
- Sit near the aisle so you can get up quickly if someone bothers you.
- Don’t sit near the exit door on buses, trains or subways. At stops, when the door opens, someone can reach in and grab your purse or briefcase.
- Hold on firmly to your purse, bag or backpack. Don’t put it on the seat beside you. Keep it in your lap or wedge it between your feet.
- Tuck necklaces inside your clothing and turn rings around so that valuable stones aren’t showing. If possible, remove jewelry before using public transportation.