Page 176 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Chicago

174  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

Personal Security and Health

Chicago is a friendly city, and most visitors do not encounter
any problems. However, it is always best to take common-
sense precautions and be aware of your surroundings. If
you don’t feel safe, you probably aren’t. Public transportation
is generally safe during the day, but after dark you may feel
more comfortable taking a taxi. The best source of
information is often your hotel concierge. Don’t hesitate
to ask if you think your destination or day’s itinerary might
take you into unsavory neighborhoods. Bear in mind that
parks and the paths along the lakefront are populated during Chicago Fire Department on early-morning
the day but are often fairly deserted at night. firefighting duty

Much of Chicago’s West Side
Police What to be Aware of
and South Side are considered
The Chicago Police Most tourists in Chicago enjoy to be unsafe. Exceptions are
Department has Segway, their stay without incident. Little Italy, Chinatown, Hyde
car, bicycle, motorcycle, and However, like all large urban Park, and Pullman. Some safe
foot patrols across the city, centers, the city has its share North Side neighborhoods are
day and night. There is always of thieves and scam artists. To next to troubled areas. In any
a strong police presence at avoid being a target, always neighborhood, stick to well-lit,
major community and cultural be alert and walk confidently. populated spaces after dark.
events. Police officers carry Conceal your valuables and
handguns and other weapons, money, use your hotel safe,
and should always be treated and practice particular caution In an Emergency
with respect and courtesy. around ATMs. Do not keep all Call 911 for emergencies
They are usually very helpful of your credit cards and money requiring medical, police, or fire
if approached, but be mindful: in one place. services. Hospital emergency
they are not tour guides. “L” trains (see p186) are fertile rooms and city hospitals are
Parking-enforcement and ground for pickpockets and in the Yellow Pages of the
traffic officers make their purse snatchers. An increasingly telephone directory. Most
rounds either on foot or in common crime is snatch- Chicago hospitals have 24-hour
small vehicles. Airports, stores, and-dash cell phone theft. emergency rooms. Your hotel
and even hotels employ their Scammers often work in pairs, concierge will know the one
own uniformed and plain- with one playing the role of a closest to the hotel.
clothes staff who provide random stranger. For non-emergency police
security services. Homeless people tend situations, you should dial 311
To report a crime, call 911 to congregate around Union to reach the City Helpline.
or visit a local Police Precinct Station and tourist areas in For dental emergencies, call
office. Should you require order to panhandle. Most are the Chicago Dental Society,
legal assistance, contact benign and genuinely grateful which provides referrals 24
your nearest embassy or for any donations, but some hours a day, every day.
consulate (see p173). can be aggressive.
Lost and Stolen Property
You should report all lost or
stolen items to the police. Keep
a copy of the police report if you
plan to make an insurance claim.
The Chicago Police Department
has branches at O’Hare and
Midway airports; call if you have
misplaced something at the
airport other than at a
restaurant or on a plane. For lost
or stolen credit cards, contact
the issuing company’s office
(see p177). If you happen to lose
your passport, contact your
embassy or consulate
Chicago police officers patrolling on bicycles immediately (see p173).

174-175_EW_Chicago.indd 174 13/07/16 3:00 pm
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Practical template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.7)
Date 5th March 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm