Take action by implementing these safety recommendations! Areas and homes that are poorly maintained and lighted, hidden by fencing or landscaping, or out of sight of neighbors can be risky. Do your part to help minimize crime by considering and implementing the following information.
Be Aware, Think Before Your Drink, Make Safer Choices
- Develop a safe-exit plan before your evening begins.
- Decisions you make now may have a significant impact on your future and your safety.
- Never leave a fellow Panther behind; do not walk alone at night.
- If you are being followed by someone, change your path, walk in well-lit areas, and find the nearest safe place.
Trust Your Instincts: If You See Something, Say Something
- If you return home and notice something questionable (e.g., slit screen, broken window) do not go inside.
- Call UWM or MPD right away.
- If you think there is something wrong, trust your feelings. Keeping our community safe requires everyone to be alert and proactive.
- Remember that sexual consent is a knowing, voluntary, and mutual decision among all participants to engage in sexual activity. Silence does not equal consent.
- Consider giving someone a safe ride home or speaking up when you see someone engaging in threatening behavior.
- Reducing rates of violence in our community can seem overwhelming, but it becomes easier when we all work together. To report concerns, you may choose to call the UWM Police (414-229-9911) or file an online report with the UWM Dean of Students Office.
- Always contact 911 in case of an emergency. Make safety a priority.
Keep Strangers Out of Your Home
- Lock your doors both while you are home and away.
- Never prop doors open and leave the doorway unattended.
- It’s your right to know who is in your home. Do not be afraid to ask utility employees or law enforcement for identification. You can call the company to see if they have sent someone out.
- Check with roommates before answering the door to see if you are expecting someone. Don’t answer the door if you are uncomfortable!
- Put your valuable items out of sight both in your home and in your vehicle (phone chargers, wallets, keys, etc.).
- Close your blinds while you are not home.
Protect Your Property and Keep It Well-Lit
- Leaving for a few days or just for the evening? Leave a light on inside.
- Leave your porch/outdoor light on at night to help you see better as you enter your home and while neighbors are walking by.
- If a light fixture is out discuss with your landlord whom is responsible for replacing/fixing lighting.
- Check with a parent/guardian and their insurance to see if you are covered under their homeowner’s insurance. If you’re not, get renter’s insurance!
- Record serial numbers, take pictures and register your valuable items with the police department.
- Report and freeze cards and accounts immediately if you lose information or suspect fraudulent charges.
