As a new semester at Indiana University gets started, we caught up with experts from IU Public Safety for guidance and resources about health, safety, security and preparedness for a safe academic year.

Julia Nowak. Photo by James Brosher, Indiana University

“IU Public Safety is here all day, every day to help,” said Julia Nowak, public information officer for IU Public Safety. “It’s also important for IU faculty and staff to be proactive about safety, and we encourage them to take advantage of the preparedness and training resources available.”

Update IU Notify contact information

IU Notify text messages are the quickest way to receive official university information in an emergency. IU Notify alerts the IU community to immediate dangers or threats and provides guidance that can increase your safety.

To ensure you are receiving emergency notifications, check your notification settings. Students, faculty and staff will always receive alerts in their IU email accounts, and they are automatically opted in to receive text message alerts. You can get alerts on more devices by adding contact information for other mobile and landline numbers or email addresses.

Follow the instructions provided in IU Notify messages, and check emergency.iu.edu for a full list of alerts.

Follow IU Public Safety on social media

Safety information is also shared on IU Public Safety’s social media accounts:

• X
• Instagram
• Facebook

Know what to do in an emergency

No matter the season or the campus, a crisis can happen anywhere; preparedness is key.

Every building on every campus has a Building Emergency Action Plan, which is available in an online database. Employees should familiarize themselves with the action plan for the buildings they frequent most.

Information about emergency procedures for every campus and opportunities to request training are also available on the Protect IU website. Whether it’s natural disasters, hazardous spills, active aggressors and other dangers, following guidance from IU Public Safety experts can help you stay safe.

For personal safety, make your own emergency kit to keep in the car and at home. You can also download the free Guardian safety app, which provides quick access to police and a Safe Walk Timer that allows friends and loved ones to see you arrived at your destination safely.

Pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers navigate the intersection of Woodlawn Avenue and Seventh Street. Photo by James Brosher, Indiana University

Watch out for pedestrians, cyclists and scooters

With students, faculty and staff returning to campus, the roads and sidewalks will be busy with pedestrians, cyclists and scooters.

As you drive through campus, stay aware and avoid distractions; don’t text and drive. Remember that pedestrians have the right-of-way when they are in the street. Respect bike lanes and crosswalks, and watch for bicyclists, scooters and pedestrians before turning.

If you’re walking, cross streets at crosswalks or intersections, and obey the signs and signals. Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available. Look in all directions for vehicles before you cross streets; you only have right-of-way when you are already in the street.

For bicyclists and scooter riders, always obey the traffic laws that apply to vehicles, including stopping for stop signs and riding in the direction of the traffic flow. Wear a helmet that fits properly, and use bike lanes when available. Remember to signal your turns. Use a headlight and taillight when riding between dusk and dawn.

Stay vigilant; report suspicious or criminal activity

Safety is everyone’s responsibility. As more employees return to the office or other shared spaces, it’s important to protect your belongings.

Take valuables home with you when you leave for the day. Do not leave money, IDs or credit cards out in plain sight or in your desk, office or residence hall space. Write down the serial numbers of expensive personal items like electronic devices, and keep the list in a separate location.

Make sure to lock your vehicle when you park for the day. Keep valuables out of sight or take them with you, and consider using a steering wheel lock to help prevent vehicle theft.

If you see suspicious or criminal activity, report it to the IU Police Department or by calling or texting 911.

Take advantage of training and resources

IU Public Safety offers a wide range of in-person and online training including Run, Hide, Fight training, self-defense and much more.

For more tips on how to keep yourself and others safe, watch IU Public Safety’s video and visit protect.iu.edu.