Like most urban areas, Boston and Cambridge are relatively safe as long as you use common sense. It is always better not to walk outside alone after dark, no matter how safe the area seems. Crimes can and do also take place in broad daylight. Your safety may depend on how alert you are, and how effectively you can remove yourself from a potentially dangerous situation. Below are some suggestions that should help make your stay at Harvard safer. We encourage you to read the following information carefully, especially if you are from a culture where this type of security concern is unfamiliar to you.

Harvard Resources For Your Safety
Harvard offers a number of services, described below, that we urge you to utilize to make your stay here a safe one. In addition, the Harvard University Police Department publishes an excellent guidebook titled Playing It Safe. This guidebook is available from the Harvard University Police Department at 1033 Massachusetts Avenue (617-495-1215) or from the HIO. In addition the guidebook is available on line: http://www.hupd.harvard.edu/prevention_handbook.php

The Harvard Shuttle Bus and the Medical Area Shuttle (see the transportation section) provide free transportation service to members of the Harvard community.

The Harvard Police also offer limited nighttime Evening Van Service between University locations and the nearest Shuttle Bus stop between 7 PM and 2:45 AM. This service should be used only if you have no other safe alternative because there is only one car to serve the entire University community. It may be necessary to wait for the escort to arrive, since service is provided in order of calls received, and advance appointments cannot be made. Call 495-0400 for this service. This service is not designed to provide individual transportation on a regular basis; any person who requires regular assistance should seek alternative arrangements.

Safety When Walking/Exercising

• Walk or jog in well-lighted areas after dark, in groups of two or more whenever possible. Avoid dark areas, walkways between bushes, and recessed doorways.
• Do not carry large sums of cash; if possible, use checks or credit cards. Do not display money or credit cards openly. Use care when at an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM).
• Carry copies of your immigration documents (biographical page of passport, I-94 card, appropriate visa document) at all times.
• Know where emergency telephones, public telephone booths, and Centrex (university) telephones are located.
• Use a sturdy lock to secure your bike when it is unattended and always wear a bike helmet.
• Exercise with a friend and avoid using a "Walkman."
• Be alert to your surroundings. If you think that someone is following you, go to a well-lighted public area (such as a store or restaurant) as quickly as possible. Look behind you to show that you are aware someone is there. Do not lead the person to your home. If possible, call for a taxi to take you home.
• If uncertain of the safety of your route, take a shuttle bus or a taxi, walk with a friend, or call the Harvard Police for an escort. Do not accept rides from strangers.

Safety When Driving

• Learn the local traffic regulations.
• Children under age five must be securely strapped in a child's safety seat, which must meet certain legal specifications. Secondhand safety seats may be purchased at yard sales or at secondhand stores that sell children's clothing and accessories.
• Children over age five and adults are required by law in Massachusetts to wear seatbelts; you may be fined for not observing this law.
• Children must never be left alone in a car, even for a very short time. Doing so could cause serious consequences, possibly even the arrest of the individual responsible.
• Always lock your car when you leave it parked. Do not leave packages or other valuables in sight. Leave them under the seat or in the trunk of the car.
• When you return to your parked car, have your key ready to unlock the door. Look inside the car first to make sure no one is hiding inside.
• Never stop for strangers who solicit rides from the side of the road (sometimes called hitchhikers).
• Never drive after consuming alcohol and/or drugs. Massachusetts has severe penalties when someone is determined to have been driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• If you have car trouble, raise the car's hood and turn on the flashing emergency lights. Wait inside with the doors locked. If people stop to help, do not get out of the car. Instead, ask them to call the police for you.
• If you see another car in trouble, do not stop to help. Go to the next available telephone and notify the police.

Safety At Home

• Never allow strangers to enter your apartment or building. Before opening your door to strangers, such as salesmen or employees of the electric or gas company, ask to be shown an identification card. If your door is equipped with a peephole, use it.
• Never prop open entry doors to your building; this may enable strangers to enter the building.
• Store valuables such as electronic equipment in secure places, especially during holidays.
• Report broken locks, windows, doors, and hallway lights that are burned out to your landlord.
• If you receive obscene or nuisance phone calls, hang up immediately. If calls persist, notify the police.
• Make sure all fire and smoke alarms are in working order. Test them on a regular basis. If you are not sure how to do this, ask your landlord.
• Do not overload electrical circuits by using too many extension cords, lamps, or appliances. Be sure that electrical appliances you have brought from overseas can be used safely in this country.
• Do not smoke in bed or leave lighted cigarettes unattended.
• Keep emergency numbers in a handy place for easy reference during an emergency. Emergency numbers are listed in the telephone book inside the front cover.

If you are ever involved in an emergency situation (such as a car accident, fire, robbery, rape, or assault) you should contact the police in the city or town where the situation occurs and, if necessary, call the fire department or an ambulance as well. In most instances, calling 911 will alert the appropriate agencies. If you need the assistance of a mental health professional to discuss problems connected with your emergency situation, call University Health Services/Mental Health at 617-495 2042 or after office hours at 617-495-5711. If an emergency line is malfunctioning, phone the University Police immediately at 617-495-1212.