Important Safety Reminders and Resources

December 09, 2022

Dear Columbia Community Members,

As we enter Reading Week and finals, many people alter their normal routines at a time when there are less daylight hours and other safety considerations.

Safety is a shared responsibility. Let us ensure that we all contribute to keeping our Columbia University community safe by staying vigilant. If you see something concerning, do not hesitate to report the issue to Columbia University Public Safety or NYPD.

Remember basic safety tips such as being aware of your surroundings, locking doors to dorms and apartments, traveling in groups when possible and not carrying or displaying large amounts of currency.

Part of safety precautions means having situational awareness both on and off campus. As you may have seen in recent news reports, several members of the LGBTQ+ community as well as other communities in New York City have been targeted for thefts in bars and restaurants. With this in mind, I encourage you to be mindful of your surroundings, to never accept a drink from a stranger and to stay with friends when you may be out celebrating.

I encourage you to take part in a virtual safety training tomorrow led by Public Safety to review important tips and actions to stay safe in a variety of environments. These trainings are recommended for every member of our community.

The holiday season also brings with it more opportunities for package theft. Pick up your packages promptly, do not allow people to piggyback into building entrances, and follow these additional tips to help keep your packages secure this holiday season.

Lastly, please make use of the many free safety resources available to you listed below.

Wishing you all a safe, productive, and enjoyable end of the semester and holiday season.

Gerald Lewis, Jr. (he, him, his)

Vice President of Public Safety

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Getting Around Safely

For additional transportation options, visit Columbia’s Transportation website.

Upcoming Safety Awareness Events

  • Situational Awareness Training (Virtual). Learn to be alert to potential threats to your health and safety and be cognizant of emergency exits and other paths to safety. TOMORROW: Friday, December 9, 4:00 - 5:00 PM ET. Learn more and register.
  • full calendar of events is available on the Public Safety website.

Columbia’s App for Public Safety – Lion Safe

  • The Lion Safe app is available to all Columbia affiliates and allows you to quickly request emergency services, access maps, shuttle schedules, crime alerts, emergency protocols, and campus safety notifications. The Friend Walk feature also allows you to share your location with a friend in real-time.

Emergency Text Messages

Emergency Phone Numbers
Columbia’s Public Safety is available at any time of day, every day. Please store these critical numbers in your phone:

  • Morningside Campus Emergency Line: 212-854-5555
  • Manhattanville Campus Emergency Line: 212-853-3333
  • Medical Center Campus Emergency Line: 212-305-7979

Connect with Us
Public Safety is here to support you 24/7/365 and strives to continually improve our service to the Columbia community, and your feedback is welcome. You can also always email Public Safety ([email protected]) with feedback and questions.

Subscribe to the Public Safety monthly newsletter and follow Public Safety on Facebook (@cupublicsafety) and Instagram (@columbiapublicsafety) to keep up to date with the latest information.