HOW TO STAY SAFE

• Be cautious of pickpockets: Paris, like any major city, has its share of pickpockets. Keep your valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas and public transportation.

• Consider using a money belt or hidden pouch close to the front of your body to carry your wallet and phone. This can help prevent theft and keep your valuables safe (Never carry your passport or important documents unless strictly necessary). Pro Tip: Keep digital copies on your phone.

• Stay aware at ATMs: When using ATMs, be cautious of your surroundings and shield your PIN number from prying eyes. Use ATMs located in well-lit and busy areas, such as inside banks or supermarkets.

• Avoid street scams: Be wary of individuals approaching you with offers of help, petitions to sign, or trying to tie strings or bracelets around your wrist. These are common distractions used by scammers to pickpocket or demand money.

• Use official transportation: Opt for licensed taxis, recognized ride-sharing services, or public transportation instead of unmarked vehicles. Iif using ride-sharing apps, verify the driver's identity and vehicle details.

• Stay informed about public demonstrations: Paris occasionally experiences protests and demonstrations. Stay informed about potential disruptions, avoid large crowds, and follow local news or advisories for updates on areas to avoid.

• Be cautious with your belongings in outdoor spaces: When sitting in parks, cafes, or outdoor areas, keep your bags and belongings close to you, preferably in front or on your lap. Thieves may attempt to snatch items from chairs or tables.

• Before heading out, plan your routes and stick to well-lit, busy streets, especially when walking at night. Avoid dimly lit or secluded areas that may pose a higher risk.

Remember, while it's important to be cautious, don't let safety concerns overshadow your enjoyment of this beautiful city. With proper awareness and preparation, you can have a safe and memorable time in Paris.

You should always carry the Parsons Paris emergency card given to you during orientation on you 24/7, it has the Parsons Paris emergency phone number and the numbers for the police and ambulances in France.

These are important numbers to know in France:

Office of Student Success: +33 (0)1 76 21 76 44 

Parsons Paris emergency phone: +33 (0)1 88 80 39 81 (In case of student emergency such as serious injury/illness, mugging, burglary, etc.)

European Emergency Services: 112 (In case of general emergency, should be able to request an English-speaking operator)

Police: 17

Fire department: 18

Emergency ambulance: 15

In case of a situation that requires students to evacuate either the St. Roch building or the Romainville building, please see below for the evacuation protocols.

EVACUATION PROTOCOL FOR ST. ROCH

Where to assemble: 296 rue St. Honoré, 75001 at the entrance to the Eglise St. Roch / St. Roch Church. 

• Directions: Exit at rue St. Roch, turn right and then left on rue St. Honoré. The church at 296 will be immediately on your left.

What to do:

1. When you hear an alarm leave immediately, do NOT take anything with you. Follow exit signs to nearest exit.

2. Walk in single file on the right side of the hallways and stairways so that emergency personnel can go up on the left.

3. Follow any and all directions given to you by any emergency/Parsons Paris staff.

4. Exit as quickly and as orderly as possible.

5. Once exited, assemble in front of the St. Roch church, 296 rue St. Honore, 75001. Do NOT stay in front of the Parsons Paris building. Your presence will be accounted for by Parsons Paris staff.

6. If for some reason you cannot reach an exit and no one can help you reach an exit, go into any classroom and use the metal SOS box to speak to the Security Office and signal your presence. Stay by the box, someone will come to you. You may be given instructions to move toward the window with the red dot. However, until you are told to do so, stay near the metal SOS box.

7. Under no circumstances should you take the elevator. It will most likely be disabled.

8. If you find yourself in the elevator when an alarm is sounded, it should automatically deposit you on the ground floor and the doors will open and stay open. Exit out the door to rue St. Roch and proceed to the assembly point in front of the St. Roch Church.

If you see smoke or flames you should:

1. Alert security at 443. Then follow steps 1-8 listed above.

2. If you are not near a phone or security does not respond, firmly press the “Fire Alarm” box as you evacuate to the nearest exit. Then follow steps 1-8 listed above.

EVACUATION POLICY FOR ROMAINVILLE

Where to assemble: Entrance of Fondation Fiminco.

What to do:

1. When you hear an alarm leave immediately, do NOT take anything with you. Follow exit signs to nearest exit.

2. Walk in single file on the right side of the hallways and stairways so that emergency personnel can go up on the left.

3. Follow any and all directions given to you by any emergency/Parsons Paris staff.

4. Exit as quickly and as orderly as possible.

5. Once exited, assemble in front of the entrance of the Fondation Fiminico. Do NOT stay in front of the Parsons Paris building. Your presence will be accounted for by Parsons Paris staff.

6. If for some reason you cannot reach an exit and no one can help you reach an exit, go into any classroom and use the metal SOS box to speak to the Security Office and signal your presence. Stay by the box, someone will come to you. You may be given instructions to move toward the window with the red dot. However, until you are told to do so, stay near the metal SOS box.

7. Under no circumstances should you take an elevator. It will most likely be disabled.

8. If you find yourself in an elevator when an alarm is sounded, it should automatically deposit you on the ground floor and the doors will open and stay open. Exit out the door and proceed to the assembly point in front of the Foundation Fiminico.

If you see smoke or flames you should:

1. Alert security at 443. Then follow steps 1-8 listed above.

2. If you are not near a phone or security does not respond, firmly press the “Fire Alarm” box as you evacuate to the nearest exit. Then follow steps 1-8 listed above.

If you are the victim of a theft, loss or robbery you will need to file a preliminary report and then go to your nearest police station (Préfecture) to file a declaration of loss. If you plan to file a claim with your insurance provider these steps will be important.

Click here to fill out this online form to declare a theft.

• This form is in French but should be navigable with the help of google translate or another translation software. 

If you require assistance you can contact Student Life (studentlifeparis@newschool.edu).

If you are a victim of a physical assault:

• Take shelter in the nearest possible safe location like a shop and ask someone to call the police (17), call the police (17) if you are able to.

• If possible, try to give a detailed description of your attacker. If possible, note down details on your phone, on paper or in your memory.

• If possible, indicate where the person fled to and how with as many details as possible.

• Once a police officer arrives they should give you a written document enabling you to be

  • • Examined at the urgences médico-judiciaires (open 24/24 - 7/7): 1, place du parvis notre-dame - 75004 paris ; Tel: +33 1 42 34 82 85/29

    • Unités Médico Judiciaires are medical centers that collaborate with judicial authorities. For example, if someone is the victim of a violent robbery, these centers can both provide medical attention and collect evidence in order to report a crime. 

    • An official certificate will be prepared and added to your file. An investigation will then be opened to find the perpetrator(s) of these acts.