How to stay safe on and off campus

While students may feel safe and secure in the cozy confines of campus, it is important to remember that the University is located in West Philadelphia and that safety and security must be concerns. To call University Police from a 573- or 898- exchange, dial 511. When off-campus you can reach them at 573-3333. The University offers both walking and driving escorts as well as the PennBus. In addition, yellow emergency telephones topped with blue lights are located throughout the campus. When the telephone receiver is removed, the police dispatcher is automatically alerted and an officer is sent to the location of the telephone even if the person removing the receiver cannot speak to the dispatcher. But students must also take responsibility for their own safety. Here are some important safety and security tips for students living on and off campus: · Stay in well-lit areas at night and if you must walk alone, stay near other people. · Carry only necessary credit cards and money. · Try to use MAC machines located inside University buildings, such as Houston Hall, High Rise East, McClelland Hall in the Quadrangle and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. · Keep the door of your dormitory room or apartment locked at all times and always keep keys in your possession. Keep these doors locked and secured, even if you're expecting a guest or only expect to be away for a short time. · Escort Service can be reached by dialing 898-RIDE from off-campus locations or by waiting at one of the transit stops on campus. · If you can not use Escort Service when traveling at night, use the buddy system and tell people at your destination that you are on your way. · Report anyone in the academic or residential buildings who looks suspicious, as well as any crimes that you witness, to the University Police. · Register your bicycle with University Police and keep it locked at all times. Overall, students must remember to be careful, think before they act, and try to recognize and avoid potentially dangerous situations. Further information can be obtained from the University Police Department.