By Mike Bruggeman, CPP
Chief Safety and Security Officer
Year-round, the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) collaborates with local safety agencies to ensure that our Downtown is safe, clean, and welcoming for all to enjoy.
With summer in full swing and exciting events and activities happening throughout Downtown Detroit and the greater Downtown area, we’re sharing some safety tips to help keep you, your family, friends, and colleagues feeling protected and secure all summer long.
Many of these tips are helpful no matter when or where you are, but this guide is especially designed to keep you safe as you work, play, live, and shop in the D!
Remember, you are a part of helping keep our communities safe. If you see something, say something! If you feel you are in danger, need emergency assistance, or if you witness a crime, CALL 9-1-1.
Weather-Related Safety Tips:
- With the rising temperatures, remember to stay hydrated. Carry water or bring a refillable container while you’re out in the heat.
- Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, cool clothing, and sunscreen.
- Never leave children or pets in a parked car, as temperatures can rise quickly and become dangerous.
- Stay alert for heat-related ailments, including sunburn, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Seek medical attention if needed.
Large Event Safety Tips:
- If you’re attending concerts or events at a Downtown venue, park, or public space, visit the company’s website and social media pages to review their policies and verify what items are allowed.
- If traveling with children, take a photo of them before attending the event for identification purposes.
- Teach children to find a police officer or security personnel if they get separated or lost.
- Establish a meetup location with your child(ren) or group to help reunite if separated.
- Park in attended parking lots or parking structures and try to park as close to your destination as possible.
General Safety Tips:
- Trust your gut. If a situation looks, smells, or feels uncomfortable — leave immediately.
- Establish eye contact and greet people in your surrounding area. This indicates that you see them and can provide a clear description if needed.
- Keep your phone easily accessible and fully charged at all times.
- Always stay alert and aware of everyone around you. Avoid distractions, such as earbuds, headphones, or talking on a cell phone.
- Create a buddy system for walking to parking lots or using public transportation after hours, if possible.
- If possible, use electronic payments like credit cards or digital wallets, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. *Note that many of Downtown’s entertainment venues are cashless.
- Keep your money and personal items, including cell phones, tucked away safely.
- Carry your purse, wallet, and valuable items close to your body, not dangling by the straps, and put your wallet in an inside coat pocket or front pants pocket.
- When shopping anywhere, stay alert even when you are rushing and avoid carrying all your purchases at once.
- Stay within a clear line of sight as much as possible. Walk and park in well-lit, regularly traveled areas, especially at night.
- Always lock your vehicle.
Resources
- The Downtown Detroit Partnership and Downtown Detroit Business Improvement Zone created and manage the Project Lighthouse® initiative. This program serves as Downtown’s neighborhood watch program, consisting of more than 18 businesses that provide a safe haven, shelter, and aid to anyone in need 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Look for the blue lighthouse window decal displayed at partner locations throughout the area.
