Emergency numbers Key these life-saving numbers into your phone right now. Call UCT Campus Protection for any emergency – whether you've been the victim of crime, in case of a fire, or if there's a medical emergency. UCT 24-hour emergency hotline: 021 650 2222/3 GENERAL UCT's Discrimination and Harassment Office (24/7 standby number): 072 393 7824 *You can also text this number for anonymous assistance Cape Town emergency hotline From a Telkom landline: 107 From a cellphone: 021 480 7700   MEDICAL Aids Helpline: 0800 012 322 Poison Line Red Cross Hospital: 021 689 5227 Tygerberg Hospital: 021 931 6129 CRIME Police Services Flying Squad: 10111 Rondebosch: 021 685 7345 Mowbray: 021 680 9580 Woodstock: 021 442 3117/21 Cape Town Central:021 467 8001 Crime Stop: 08600 10111 RESCUE Mountain Rescue: 021 948 9900 Sea Rescue: 021 449 3500 WELLNESS Psychiatric crisis and emergency support Groote Schuur psychiatric emergency unit: 021 404 2175 Life line: 021 461 1111/3 Suicide Helpline: 0800 567 567 Rape Crisis: 021 447 9762 *For any incident of this nature, please also notify: UCT's Campus Protection Services: 021 650 2222/3 and UCT's Student Wellness Services: 021 650 1017.

Be safe in Cape Town by following our six safety tips and saving these emergency numbers into your phone right now.

Be present

Wherever you are – in the city, on campus, or on a hike – be cognisant of where you are and what's around you. The more absorbed you are in something else – like looking at your phone – the less likely you are to notice when conditions change or something suspicious is happening.

Don't flash your swag

Everyone likes to look and feel good, but flashing expensive things when you're out and about makes you a more likely target. Keep valuables in a safe place.

Stay connected

If you're headed out, go with people you trust and know, go with a fully charged cell phone (with airtime in it) and let friends, flatmates or family know where you're going and what time you're planning on being back.

Avoid stranger danger

Don't accept help from strangers at an ATM. Don't take lifts from strangers either (unless they're the cab driver in a registered cab, from a company you recognise and trust).

 

Open your own drinks

If you didn't see your drink being opened and poured, you don't know what's in it. Don't leave your drink unattended.

Be prepared

If you're going hiking – particularly on Table Mountain – go in a group of four or more, and take sunblock, something warm to wear (the weather changes rapidly on the mountain), comfortable walking shoes, a map, and plenty of water and snacks. Start heading home well before dark and keep to demarcated paths. Again, having a charged cell phone with airtime could help in a sticky situation.

More on-campus safety tips

 

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