As the holiday season approaches, Vanderbilt University Public Safety (VUPS), in partnership with Vanderbilt University Medical Center, is working hard to ensure that everyone on campus and hospital properties enjoys a safe and secure environment. This year, several improvements have been implemented to strengthen safety across our community.
Among the most notable upgrades are enhanced lighting in the Central Garage, which improves visibility and creates a safer parking experience. In the West Garage, Distributed Antenna System (DAS) upgrades now provide better radio and cell reception on all sublevels, ensuring staff can communicate effectively no matter where they park. Emergency call boxes have been upgraded in some garages and around the campus, and additional security staffing has been added to increase coverage during the busy holiday season. There have also been security enhancements in the Vanderbilt Health Regional Hospitals. Regional leadership has implemented metal detection and added security staffing to increase safety across the entity. These changes reflect our commitment to proactive safety measures for faculty, staff, students, patients, and visitors.
Park Smart This Season
Parking garages can be convenient, but they also require extra awareness. VUPS encourages everyone to “Park Smart” by choosing well-lit areas near exits or elevators, avoiding spaces next to large vehicles that block visibility, and staying alert to your surroundings. Lock your doors, keep valuables out of sight, and if you’re walking alone, take advantage of VandySafe’s Virtual Escort feature. Suspicious activity should always be reported to VUPD or through the Blue Light Phones located throughout the garages.
Stay Connected with VandySafe
Safety doesn’t stop at the garage. The VandySafe app can be used by any VU/VUMC affiliate and offers tools to help you feel secure wherever you are. Features like Virtual Walk Home, Mobile Blue Light, and iReport make it easy to stay connected and alert. In 2025, VUPS monitored 804 Virtual Escorts through VandySafe and completed 6,924 in-person escorts. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play and look for the VandySafe icon.
Holiday Safety Tips
The holidays are a time for celebration, but they can also present opportunities for crime. When shopping, stay alert in parking lots, keep your keys in hand, and avoid carrying large sums of cash – credit cards are safer. If you feel uneasy, don’t hesitate to request a security escort. Hide valuables inside your vehicle and report suspicious activity immediately.
For those traveling, plan ahead. Carry a fully charged cell phone, stick to well-lit, busy streets, and lock your doors as soon as you enter your vehicle. Share your route and travel times with someone you trust, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. These simple steps can make a big difference in keeping you safe.