Out & About Safety

Here’s how to protect yourself whether out and about or in your residence.

• Avoid walking alone late at night. Use the Scarlet SafeWalk Service (617-353-4877) or travel in groups.
• When going to a party or a bar, always use the buddy system.
• If you go out alone, tell your roommates or a friend where you are going and when you expect to be back. If your plans change, call to let them know.
• When walking on campus, follow well-lit paths and avoid alleyways.
• Be alert to your surroundings and know the locations of the emergency blue-light phones.
• Check your directions in advance and know where you are going.
• Avoid potentially dangerous situations.
• Walk purposefully.
• Do not carry large sums of cash.
• Be cautious of people asking for money or assistance.
• If your wallet is stolen, report the loss to the BUPD immediately and contact your credit card companies as well.
• If you feel uneasy or threatened, change direction, cross the street, locate and use a blue-light emergency phone, or enter a store or place of business.
• Carry a mobile phone, and change to use a pay phone.
• Do not allow yourself to be left alone in an unfamiliar situation.
• Do not drink anything that you did not open or mix yourself.
• Trust your instincts.
• Use your peephole to identify anyone who knocks on your door before you open it. If you do not recognize someone, do not open your door.
• Report suspicious persons or activity to the BUPD.
• For more information on sexual assault safety, visit BU’s Sexual Assault Response & Prevention Center (SARP) or the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center.