play it safe
life is meant to be lived. so do that...live it up. and be safe while you're out there. because you want to be around to enjoy tomorrow.
it's not rocket science. we're not going to tell you anything you don't already know and haven't heard since you were five years old, but maybe your mind's on a few hundred other things. so, here are a few reminders...just in case...
Look before you cross the street. Cross at crosswalks where you can. Sure, you're in a hurry, but that driver may not be able to see you and an accident will delay you a lot longer than a few extra seconds at that crosswalk.
Turn down the volume on your ipod while walking to class. Make sure you can hear sirens or a car honking above the volume of your music.
If you feel unsafe, hail a bus. Tell the driver you are feeling uncomfortable and they will help you get help.
In an elevator, don't feel afraid to use the alarm button or to exit the elevator at the next floor if you feel uncomfortable.
Consider learning CPR.
Use the buddy system. There really is "safety in numbers."
Park your car in well-lit, heavily populated areas. If you'll return to your car after dark, consider what the area will look like at night.
Wear a seatbelt when driving/riding in a car.
Keep your property safe, too. Don't leave your laptop, backpack or purse unsupervised.
Watch for pedestrians when you are driving.
Trust what you feel. If you feel funny about someone or someplace, act on it. Go to a busier street, call a friend on your cell phone, ask someone nearby for help or duck into a local shop.
It's a well-known fact that busy streets self-police. Use that to your advantage. Stay near groups of people, use well-lit and busy sidewalks. Conversely, avoid walking alone or walking near vacant lots, thru alleys or in empty parks.
Drink responsibly. Name a designated driver and call a cab if your designated driver "forgets" not to drink.
Lock your car doors and roll up the windows.
Keep doors and windows locked in your dorm, apartment or house.
When you go out, let a friend or roommate know where you're going, who you're going with and when you'll be back.
There are emergency phones on campus - find out where; use them if you need them.
Carry a cell phone and call someone if you need help.
Carry pepper spray.
Take a minute - right now - to enter some phone numbers in your cell phone. Having these numbers immediately available in an emergency could save your life:
| Emergency | 911 |
| CU Directory Assistance | 411 |
| Dean of Students (Student Emergencies) |
217.333.0050 |
| Rape Crisis 24-Hour Helpline | 217.355.5203 |
| UIUC Exterior Lighting Repairs | 217.333.0340 |
| MTD SafeRides (Free rides to students out late) |
217.265.RIDE (7433) |
| A and L Taxi | 217.621.9906 |
| C-U Taxi | 217.359.UOFI (8634) |
| Checker Cab | 217.355.0200 |
| Cindy's Cab Service | 217.384.7777 |
| Corky's Cab Co. | 217.892.4401 |
| Old Timer's Taxi Co. | 217.202.8768 |
| Scottie's Taxi | 217.480.3400 |
| Special Care Transport, Inc. | 217.344.8731 |
| Yellow Checker Cab | 217.355.3553 |
SafeWalks Escort Service is also available for short walking trips on campus be calling 333-1216 or by contacting the University of Illinois Police via emergency campus phone.
The Small Print: liveUP is a campaign for campus safety at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. liveUP aims to increase students' awareness of key safety issues, thereby decreasing the frequency of life-threatening incidents. Keep checking looklistenlive.com for more information on campus safety, current lookUP promotions and more. And please be safe out there.
