Health & Safety

As the steward of Greater Cleveland’s travel and tourism industry, we want to help ensure that visitors have a safe and memorable experience in our city. Here are some travel tips to keep in mind during your visit.

Healthy travel practices

• Be aware of the latest health and safety regulations in place at your destination
• Wash hands often
• Stay up to date on vaccinations
• Avoid contact with people who are already sick
• Avoid contact with animals while traveling
• Postpone travel and stay home if feeling sick
• Be aware of the latest travel advisories from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Healthcare resources

If you are experiencing a medical emergency while visiting Cleveland, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room. Cleveland is home to several major healthcare systems, including:

• Cleveland Clinic
• University Hospitals
• MetroHealth

Public health resources:

• Centers for Disease Control
• Ohio Department of Health
• Cuyahoga County Board of Health
• Cleveland Department of Public Health (Note: Fact sheets in many languages available)

Downtown Cleveland Ambassadors

With a rise in residential population, further development and an increase in visitors, the city of Cleveland has partnered with Downton Cleveland Inc. to raise its investment in their safety ambassador program.

Safety ambassadors are citizens trained in de-escalation and security that are assigned to specific patrol routes and discuss safety concerns with business operators, employees and residents. They don’t have guns; just walkie-talkies, a first aid kit and their cellphone and are ready to call in police, firefighters or EMTs at the first sign of emergency. Residents and Downtown workers can call them for safety escorts or if they get locked out of their cars.

Ambassadors also serve as hospitality agents who enjoy talking to people, whether it’s sparking a conversation after assisting someone with directions or dining recommendations or intervening with aggressive panhandling or observing and reporting any suspicious activity.

Downtown Cleveland Inc.’s Clean & Safe Ambassadors patrol throughout Downtown and are available to assist with issues such as flat tires, car lockouts, safety escorts, directions, mental wellness response/services and to report instances of trash and graffiti. Look for them in blue and gold uniforms or call 216.621.6000 to request assistance between 7 a.m. and midnight, 7 days a week.

Travel safety tips

Here are some other general safety tips to keep in mind while visiting Cleveland or any other destination:

• Always pay attention, stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.
• Carry your personal items close to your body. Try not to carry more than you can handle.
• When sitting, keep bags and purses in front of you or on your lap, not hung on the back of a chair.
• Walk in well-traveled and well-lit places, especially at night. Plan the safest route to your destination — even if that means taking a longer route.
• Do not take shortcuts through alleys or unfamiliar areas.
• When leaving a meeting or convention, be sure to remove your badge and keep it somewhere secure.
• Shut windows tightly whenever you park, including vent windows.
• Lock the trunk, hatchback and all doors whenever you leave your car unattended. Be sure to secure all valuables in the trunk of your car.
• Report suspicious behavior to DCA Clean & Safe Ambassadors or Cleveland Police Department by calling 216.621.1234.
• Dial 911 in emergencies.

Visitor Concierge Services

The Cleveland Visitors Center at 334 Euclid Ave. is open to welcome and assist travelers and residents. Service is available inside or through a walk-up window on Euclid Ave. The Visitors Center is staffed Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

The CLE Concierge team is also available to answer visitor and resident inquiries by phone (216.875.6680), e-mail ([email protected]) and online chat every day except Sunday.