Dean of Students issues safety tips for Mifflin Street Block Party

The City of Madison is preparing for a safe and enjoyable Mifflin Street Block Party this Saturday. However, the combination of large crowds, balconies and alcohol make it important for revelers to keep safety in mind.

Susan Crowley of the PACE Project (Policies, Alternatives and Community Education) and Jennifer Duncan, campus safety coordinator for the Offices of the Dean of Students, are available to talk about issues related to student safety.

Crowley can be reached at (608) 262-9007, or by email at sjcrowley@wisc.edu. Duncan can be reached at (608) 263-5700 or jrduncan@wisc.edu.

Among the tips for staying safe on Saturday:

• Be careful on balconies and porches. If you have a sense that a porch is overcrowded, move back into the house and urge other people to do so as well. Use extreme care near the ledges, as falls do happen, often resulting in serious injury.
• If you plan on going to the event, stay with people you know and trust. Try to stay with a friend at all times. 
• Don’t accept food or drinks from people you don’t know and never leave your drink unattended. Date rape drugs can be put into drinks without your knowledge.
• Know your limits. If you choose to drink, pace yourself and set limits. Eat plenty of food and drink a lot of water. Stop drinking when you feel you have had enough. 
• No glass will be allowed on Mifflin Street. Wear closed-toed shoes instead of sandals and flip flops in case there is broken glass on the street.
• A variety of transportation options are available to students, including Safe Bus, Safe Walk, and Safe Ride. Call (608) 262-5000 to schedule a walk or a ride. 
• Cooperate with all police officers and university officials that will be stationed throughout the Mifflin St. area.
• Above all, represent UW–Madison with class. Students engaging in illegal behavior may face sanctions that can affect status at the university. Make smart decisions and take care of yourself and your friends.