As a new semester at Indiana University gets started, we caught up with experts from Indiana University Public Safety who can share guidance and resources for students about health, safety, security and preparedness for a safe academic year.
“We want IU students to have the best experience they can as they navigate college, which means staying safe,” said Hannah Skibba, public information officer for IU Public Safety. “IU Public Safety provides resources and guidance that helps students protect themselves, and we’re here every day, all day to respond when they need us.”
IU Police Department officers are available 24/7, and someone is always ready to answer if you call or text 911. Threats to your safety can develop quickly, so it’s important to learn how to protect yourself as much as possible.
Update IU Notify contact information
Receiving IU Notify text messages is the quickest way to receive official university information in an emergency. IU Notify alerts the IU community to immediate dangers or threats and provides guidance that can increase your safety.
To ensure you are receiving emergency notifications, check your notification settings. Students will always receive alerts in their IU email accounts, and they are automatically opted in to receive text message alerts. You can get alerts on more devices by adding contact information for other mobile and landline numbers or email addresses. Sign your parents or other family members up so they can help you stay informed.
Follow IU Public Safety social media
IU Public Safety shares safety information on:
Look out for yourself and others in social situations
Your personal safety is your responsibility. It’s important to be aware of what’s going on around you. Keep a charged cell phone and your ID with you when you’re not at home, so you can call for help if needed. Don’t walk alone at night, especially in dimly lit areas. If you do need to walk alone, make sure you’ve downloaded the free Guardian safety app, which offers a virtual escort and allows you to quickly contact police.
When you’re out with friends, if alcohol or other drugs are involved, don’t become so impaired that you can’t understand what’s going on around you or that you misinterpret someone else’s actions. Always watch your drink, so no one can put anything in it. Always let a trusted friend know where you’re going and whom you’ll be with.
Learn about Indiana’s Lifeline Law
Don’t be afraid to contact the police. Under Indiana’s Lifeline Law, people younger than 21 who are under the influence of alcohol will not be prosecuted for crimes such as possession, intoxication or consumption of alcohol if they call 911 to seek medical help for another person or in cases of sexual assault, as long as they cooperate with police. The law also protects minors from legal consequences during an alcohol-related and/or substance-related emergency.
Stay safe on bicycles and scooters, prevent theft
The roads and sidewalks around campus are busy with vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and scooters.
As you drive through campus, stay aware and avoid distractions; don’t text and drive. Remember that pedestrians have the right-of-way when they are in the street. Respect bike lanes and crosswalks, and watch for bicyclists, scooters and pedestrians before turning.
When walking, cross streets at crosswalks or intersections, and obey the signs and signals. Walk on sidewalks whenever possible. Look for cars in all directions when you cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. You only have right-of-way when you are already in the street.
For bicyclists and scooter riders, always obey the traffic laws that apply to vehicles, including stopping for stop signs and riding in the direction of the traffic flow. Wear a helmet that fits properly and use bike lanes when available. Remember to signal your turns. Use a headlight and taillight when riding between dusk and dawn.
Be proactive about theft prevention by locking your car and keeping valuables with you or out of sight. Consider using a steering wheel lock to help prevent vehicle theft too. Use a sturdy U-style lock for bicycles, electric bikes or scooters. Lock them in well-lit areas or bike racks, or use available bike storage spaces. Register your bike, and record the make, model and serial number of your bicycle, electric bicycle or scooter.
If your vehicle, bike or scooter is stolen, report it immediately. The sooner police are aware of the theft, the greater the chances of recovery.
Stay vigilant; report suspicious or criminal activity
Protect your belongings in residence halls or shared living spaces, and do your part to keep everyone safe.
Lock your house or room door when you leave. CrimsonCards are needed to access on-campus housing; don’t let others walk in behind you or prop open doors. Do not leave money, IDs or credit cards out in plain sight. Write down the serial numbers of expensive personal items like electronic devices, and keep the list in a separate location.
If you see suspicious or criminal activity, report it to the IU Police Department or by calling or texting 911.
Prepare for emergencies and know how to get help
Take the time to learn about potential emergencies and hazards, how you should respond and how to seek help.
- Severe weather: Severe storms, tornadoes, winter weather and extreme heat are common natural hazards in Indiana. Stay safe by following weather forecasts, keeping an emergency kit and responding when you hear an outdoor warning siren or get an IU Notify alert.
- Active aggressor: In the event of an active aggressor, remember to Run, Hide, Fight. If a safe path is available, run. If you can’t escape, find a place to safely hide. As a last resort, act with aggression and use improvised weapons to distract and/or disarm an active shooter or aggressor.
- Fire safety: If you hear a fire alarm, evacuate from a building. Escape first, get to a safe place and then call 911. Never stand up in a fire; crawl low under the smoke and try to keep your mouth covered. Use the nearest exit or stairwell to evacuate, but never an elevator. Pull fire alarms and warn others as you leave, and close doors behind you. Most university housing fires are related to cooking. Cook only where it is permitted, and never leave cooking unattended. Turn burners and ovens off when you leave the kitchen.
For more tips on how to keep yourself and others safe, visit protect.iu.edu.
