Media Advisory: UB to distribute safety information in University Heights

"Doorhanger" kits containing safety reminders and tips on how to be a good neighbor will be distributed to students and other residents in more than 2,700 homes in University Heights from 4-7 p.m. today (Wednesday, August 26, 2009) as part of the University at Buffalo's ongoing and longstanding efforts to improve safety and quality of life in the neighborhood.

More than 30 volunteers, who include UB students, faculty and staff as well as residents of University Heights, will fan out across 40 neighborhood streets to distribute the doorhanger kits.

Best time for media is 4:30-4:45 p.m. at the corner of Main Street and Englewood Avenue.

The kits are bags that will be hung on door handles, and encourage students to "get to know their neighbors, be considerate and don't travel alone at night." They also will include information on how/what to recycle and who to call in the City of Buffalo and UB if safety or behavioral issues need to be addressed in the neighborhood. Information about UB's first Neighbor's Day Block Party and Safety Fair on September 6 also will be included.

In addition, the Buffalo Police Department and University Police will run joint patrols along Main Street in Buffalo on Thursday through Saturday nights, beginning this week. Bicycles and Segway Personal Transporters will be used to transport police officers in order to enhance the community policing efforts of both departments.

Press arrangements: Dan Ryan, director of off-campus student relations, at 829-3536 and onsite at 830-5016.