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Emergency Preparedness Home

Promoting a Culture of Safety

Emergencies, disasters, accidents, injuries, and crimes can occur without warning. Being prepared to respond to unexpected emergencies is an individual and an organizational responsibility. Each member of our community has a role in emergency preparation and response.

As an individual, you can help by observing your surroundings, asking about suspicious or questionable behavior, and calling for help when safety is an issue.

Being alert to what's going on around us enhances security, safety, openness, and the accessibility of our campus.

The University of Minnesota Police Department and other public safety professionals on campus are trained to respond appropriately to dangerous situations. But the multiplied effect of thousands of alert eyes and ears has the most impact on keeping our community safe, secure, and ready to respond.

The University, a public institution, values openness and access. However, "open" should not mean unsafe or dangerous.

Propping doors open for convenience, turning a blind eye to strangers, and leaving computers and other valuables in the open too often lead to unintended consequences. Every member of the University community needs to help promote personal and community safety. Closing and locking doors and windows, obtaining photo ID cards for your unit, preparing department and building-wide plans, and questioning strangers are examples of simple steps you can take to ensure a safe U.

Encouraging these actions within departments and units goes a long way toward fostering a culture of safety, without unduly infringing on daily activities or an open community.