As Indiana University gears up for the Little 500 races April 19 and 20, local authorities have tips for the community to stay safe during the “World’s Greatest College Weekend.”
The women’s race will be held at 4 p.m., April 19, and the men’s race will be held at 2 p.m., April 20 at Bill Armstrong Stadium.
“With increased visitors to campus and more activities going on, we do see extra vehicles on campus and more pedestrians on campus,” IU Police Department Public Information Officer Hannah Skibba said. “We’re going to have extra officers working as well just to keep up with that need.”
She said IUPD notices a difference in types of calls between Little 500 weekend and normal weekends depending on the weather.
“A lot of our calls are medical-related,” Skibba said. “Whether folks aren’t drinking enough water as they’re outside through the long races or just not hydrating well enough over the weekend.”
As for safety recommendations, Skibba said to always stay with someone, charge cell phones, drink responsibly and report suspicious activity.
“With a lot of extra people around campus, if you observe suspicious or dangerous activity, we just ask you to be a good neighbor,” she said.
IUPD contact information and report forms can be found on its website.
IU Health Bloomington Emergency Services Clinical Practice Manager Carmen Pike said the Bloomington hospital sees a 15-20% increase in patients over the weekend.
She said typical injuries include abrasions, fractures, dislocations and lacerations. Alcohol-related emergencies are also common.
“We up staff by additional nurses, providers and support staff, and we also increase our supplies,” Pike said. “We’re definitely prepared for anything that comes our way.”
Pike said the hospital orders supplies and schedules staff six weeks in advance.
She also said to hydrate, not overindulge or accept unknown alcoholic drinks and have a designated driver. She also recommended having a safety plan and memorizing phone numbers.
“I just want everybody to stay safe and have a great time,” she said.
IU Health contact information can be found on its website.
