Leadership Notes > Reaching Public Safety and 9-1-1 from Classrooms and Other Safety Tips

Reaching Public Safety and 9-1-1 from Classrooms and Other Safety Tips

By Bob Wachowski, Director of Public Safety / January 9, 2025 / Twitter / Facebook

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,

As we begin the winter term, Public Safety encourages the community to familiarize itself with important steps you can take to be prepared in emergency situations, for your safety and the safety of the community.

Placing emergency calls using classroom phones
Calling Public Safety from Lincoln Park or Loop classroom phones changed recently when the phones were updated. Review the steps below for reaching Public Safety and 9-1-1.

To call Public Safety:
  1. Pick up the handset or press the speaker phone button (either will result in a dial-tone)
  2. Dial “0”
  3. Wait 3 seconds
  4. Call is placed and starts to ring the appropriate Public Safety dispatch based on the campus the phone is on

Note: Dialing “0” for Public Safety will only work from classroom phones. For other on-campus phones, dial the full extension, 57777 for Lincoln Park or 28400 for Loop.


To call 9-1-1:

  1. Pick up the handset or press the speaker phone button (either will get you a dial-tone)
  2. Dial 9-1-1
  3. Wait 3 seconds
  4. Call is placed and starts to ring Chicago’s 9-1-1 center

Using your mobile phone

While mobile phones are also an option to place either call, note that your location will NOT be automatically provided to the call taker. 

  • For 9-1-1 calls, be prepared to provide the address of the building and room number where you are located so first responders can quickly find the location. 
  • For Public Safety, the DePaul building name and room number is sufficient.​​

Unsure whether to call Public Safety or 9-1-1?
In general, in the case of an active threat, fire or medical emergency, first call 9-1-1 and then Public Safety at the Loop Campus (312-362-8400) or the Lincoln Park Campus (773-325-7777). If you are unsure who to call, call Public Safety and they will determine if police, fire, or paramedics are needed.

Update your information for DPU Alert
DPU Alert notifies the DePaul community of an emergency on or around campus including weather-related class cancellations. Be sure to verify your contact information for DPU Alert in Campus Connect.

Know building exits and secure locations
Know locations of exits of buildings you frequent so you can respond quickly in a fire alarm or other emergency.

View short videos on door barricades and what to do if you hear gunfire on campus.

Review general safety tips and safe travel options
DePaul wants our community to feel safe and stay safe, and there are many ways that you can improve your safety and the safety of others. See more safety tips while on- and off-campus here​.

Take Care DePaul,

Bob Wachowski
Director, Public Safety​​