Safety Tips

• Secure your bicycle with a U-lock.
• Record the serial number, model, and take a photo of your bike.

Living off-campus in our vibrant host city of New Haven can provide new experiences and the opportunity to enjoy the diversity of New Haven’s many offerings.  Living off-campus may not afford access to some on-campus amenities such as access to Yale Transit shuttles or Security services such as walking escorts.  The Yale Police Department may not provide regular patrols of off-campus locations, and Blue Phones are found only within the campus footprint.

Below are safety considerations to assist you as you evaluate an off-campus residence.

• You should have already downloaded the LiveSafe app. It’s a feature-rich platform that provides access to an array of services and information, including rapid access to 911, texting to YPD, monitoring locations of Yale shuttles in real-time, and the ‘Go Safe’ link.
• How do you plan on traveling to and from your residence?
  • If you plan on walking or bicycling, you should walk or bike the route during those times of day matching your typical schedule. Areas can ‘feel’ differently during the day than during the evening or darkness. Is the route well-lit? Is there loitering or activity that makes you uncomfortable? You want to feel safe as you travel to and from your residence.
  • If you plan on using Yale Transit or mass transit, how close is the nearest stop? Does the transit schedule provide services when you need them? Are you comfortable walking to and from the transit stop?
• Check out the area both during the day and evening, including the weekend. While you may find some exciting surprises in the neighborhood, you want to gauge your own perception of safety.
  • Do an internet search of the address or street. You may find helpful information regarding area activity. Talk to area residents or shop owners. What can they tell you about the neighborhood?
  • Visit the New Haven Police Department website. Click on the ‘CompStat’ tab. There you will find up-to-date crime information, categorized and mapped to assist you in evaluating levels and types of police activity in the area.
• If the residence you are considering is multi-tenant, consider talking to the other tenants. Is it a stable tenant base? Do they enjoy living there? Is the landlord responsive?
  • Does the residence appear well-maintained?

Residential Safety Considerations

• Does the exterior of the building appear well-maintained?  Is shrubbery trimmed to limit areas of concealment, particularly near the entry doors?  Shrubbery should not obstruct windows or doors.
  • Check the building during darkness.
  • Are you satisfied with the amount of lighting?
  • Particularly around parking areas and paths you will use to enter the building?
• Is there a single entrance to the building?  If yes, is it secured?  Does the lock(s) appear to be in good working order?  Does it close and secure behind you?  Are there safety features such as an intercom or camera?
• If you are moving into an apartment, ask the landlord to change the lock(s) to your unit.  Or ask if you would be allowed to change the locks.  You will likely be asked to provide the landlord with a key for emergency access.
  • If the door to your unit does not have a deadbolt-type lock, consider installing one.
  • Make sure the door shuts securely.
  • Does the door have a peephole viewer?
• If you have a bicycle, consider where you can secure it.  If you can’t bring it inside, always use a U-lock. Cable-type locks can be easily defeated.
• Particularly if you are living the ground floor, make sure all the windows have locks.
• Are bug screens installed?
• If you have a window unit air conditioner, ensure that proper mounting brackets are installed to secure the unit against easy removal.
  • If you will open your windows for ventilation, consider sliding window locks to prevent the window from being moved up or down from the outside.

Other Tips and Considerations

• Never open your front door until you’re comfortable that you’ve identified your visitor.  Do not be hesitant to ask for identification or verify the legitimacy of the visit.
• Make sure you can quickly evacuate in the event of an emergency.  Have a plan to evacuate in the event your primary door can’t be accessed.
• Off-Campus Resources

• Lock your doors between trips to your dorm or apartment.
• Do not prop open dorm room door. Never leave your room unsecured and unattended.
• Leave valuables at home. On campus, secure them in a safe place in your room out of view.

• Call the Yale Police if you receive a serious threat of life or property, or if calls are obscene.
• Keep a log of date, time, and nature of call and the gender of the caller.
• Contact your local phone service provider to inquire about what options may be available to you.
• If you receive a call, hang up on the caller. Don’t engage in a conversation with the caller.
• If the caller asks what number they have called, do not give it to them. Instead, ask them to tell you what number they dialed.