Frequently Asked Questions

    How will I be informed of an emergency at Yale?

    The University will use emergency contact numbers and email addresses that have been registered to communicate with you during emergencies. You should program the Yale Alert number, 203-432-5830, into your phone so that you recognize a call or a text message that comes from this number in the case of an emergency. The Yale Alert system and all methods of emergency communications are tested community-wide four times per year. More information can be found on Yale Emergency Management’s website. 

    What do I do if I or someone I know has been sexually assaulted?

    Call 911 or the Yale Police at 203-432-4400 or call the New Haven Police. You may also contact the SHARE (Sexual Harassment and Assault Resources & Education) Center for advocacy, education, and support at 203-432-2000. Details of other resources can be found at the SHARE Center website.

    I have been the victim of a crime. What should I do?

    If you are in immediate danger or in an emergency, call 911. Otherwise, call Yale Police at 203-432-4400 to file a report and receive further instructions on what to do. 

    How can I locate a lost iPhone, iPad, iPod, or Mac?

    If one of your Apple devices goes missing, iCloud can help you figure out where you left it. Just sign in at iCloud.com or use the Find My iPhone app to see your missing Mac, iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch on a map. iOS 6 and iCloud offer Lost Mode, making it even easier to find and protect a missing iOS device. With Lost Mode, you can immediately lock your device and send it a message with a contact number. Then whoever finds it can call you from the Lock screen without accessing the rest of the information on your device. Click here for more information.

    I’m locked out of my room. What should I do?

    For undergraduates on campus, during business hours (9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.) please visit your Residential College Master’s Office to be let into your room. When the Master’s Office is closed, you can call Yale Security at 203-785-5555 and a uniformed Yale Security Officer will be dispatched to your location to provide this service. You will be asked to sign a lockout form that will be given to your Master’s or business office. Students, please be prepared to provide your name, contact information, the college in which you reside, entryway letter, room number, floor, and the last four digits of your Social Security number for verification purposes when calling Yale Security. You will be instructed to wait for the officer in front of the locked door. Should you be able to open your door prior to the officer’s arrival, please call Yale Security and inform them that services are no longer needed.

    What’s the difference between the Yale Police Department (YPD) and the New Haven Police Department (NHPD)? Which should I call?

    YPD officers patrol campus and the area immediately surrounding it, while NHPD has jurisdiction for the entire city. Both police forces are composed of armed officers with full arrest powers. In case of an emergency always call 911; the call will go to either YPD or NHPD depending on your location. Either way, there will be a response to your location, by either the YPD alone or both departments. To reach the YPD directly for routine non-emergencies, call 203-432-4400.

    What should I do if a friend is very drunk, has passed out, and is not waking up?

    You should call 911 immediately. You should not delay in calling, as any delay could be life threatening depending on the level of intoxication. The Police’s main focus is to get the person immediate medical attention and not to get you or them in trouble. The health and well-being of the person should far outweigh any concerns about disciplinary action.

    What’s the most common crime that happens on campus?

    The vast majority of crime on campus is property crime, especially involving electronic portable items such as laptops, cell phones, and iPods. Thieves are constantly looking for unattended, easily transportable, and valuable property to take. Most of the property stolen is left unattended in public areas or in unlocked rooms, public spaces (such as libraries), or offices. The best advice to follow is to never leave your property unattended and to always lock your door.

    What’s the most common crime that happens on campus?

    The vast majority of crime on campus is property crime, especially involving electronic portable items such as laptops, cell phones, and iPods. Thieves are constantly looking for unattended, easily transportable, and valuable property to take. Most of the property stolen is left unattended in public areas or in unlocked rooms, public spaces (such as libraries), or offices. The best advice to follow is to never leave your property unattended and to always lock your door.

    I have a burglar alarm system in my office. Where is this being monitored?

    At our own University Security Central Alarm Station, located at 4 Bristol St.

    Where can I find more information about emergency preparedness at Yale?

    The Emergency Management at Yale website has the information you want.