CAMPUS BUILDING SAFETY

Drexel maintains a large urban footprint with many people coming and going on all of its campuses, and keeping our campus buildings safe is a top priority. Drexel Police and Allied Universal security officers continuously patrol campus buildings, and Drexel’s bike patrol officers monitor outdoor campus spaces and participate in building walkthroughs. But safety is a shared responsibility, and it is up to all of us to practice sound judgement and take the necessary precautions to keep our buildings safe. Here are 7 things you can do to support this goal.

1. Keep your DragonCard with you at all times so you can access campus buildings.

Many campus buildings are locked at all times to the general public, and all buildings are locked at night. Entrances are equipped with electronic card readers to allow individuals with a Drexel ID card (known as a DragonCard) to enter. Always have your DragonCard with you so you can access campus buildings, and do not lend your card to anyone or tamper with it in any way. 

For more information about building access, please review the Building Access Guidelines for the University City Campus and the associated policy on the Drexel Public Safety website.

2. Do not prop locked doors or hold open locked doors for strangers.

Always close propped doors and make sure doors close behind you. Do not allow others to piggyback behind you into a locked building. 

• If you see someone loitering around building entrances, notify Drexel Public Safety at 215.895.2222, as they may be trying to gain unauthorized access.
• The University prohibits access to windows, roofs, balconies, railings, ledges and fire escapes of all University-owned or -operated buildings.
• Unauthorized access to any property owned or operated by the University is prohibited.

3. Know your location on campus.

If you ever find yourself in an emergency and need to call for help, it is important to know your exact location. Drexel Public Safety encourages the entire Drexel community to become familiar with building names and their exact street addresses, as well as the floor and room number of your classrooms and/or offices. Take some time to review the campus maps.

4. Know the rules for what is permitted in and around University property.

Did you know the use of hoverboards, skateboards and scooters is prohibited in University buildings? The Student Code of Conduct provides guidance on these and other types of restrictions regarding what can be brought and/or used on campus property. Please review the Conduct Policies for information on topics such as bicycles, motorcycles, weapons, smoking and pets.

Smoking is prohibited within 20 feet from any campus building entrance and on campus outdoor spaces such as Buckley Green, Buckley Recreational Field, Buckley Tennis Courts, Drexel Park, Korman Quad, Perelman Plaza, Race Street Quad, Rush Building Alumni Garden and the URBN Annex Art Garden. This prohibition includes the use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pipes, other tobacco products and illegal substances.

5. Secure your valuables.

Whether you are in class, at the office, home or gym or studying at the library or a coffee shop, always keep your valuables secure, and do not leave them unattended.

• Keep personal belongings locked in a desk, locker, filing cabinet, closet, etc.  
• Keep home doors and windows locked, and valuables stored out of sight.
• Avoid posting pictures on social media that show valuables in your home or residence hall.
• Refrain from advertising when you are away from your residence on vacation or break.
• Keep car doors locked and remove all valuables from sight, even loose change.

Students, faculty and professional staff can register their valuables with Drexel’s Property Registration Program. Bring your valuables (such as bikes, skateboards, computers, laptops, cell phones, larger headphones, etc.) to Police Headquarters at 3219 Arch St. or call 215.895.2222 if you would like to request that an officer come to you to register larger or multiple items.

6. Learn and follow emergency procedures.

When a fire alarm sounds, every person is required to evacuate the building immediately. Know the locations of emergency exits, areas of refuge, fire towers and points of assembly. Emergency Procedures Bulletins are posted in Drexel buildings, near entrances or elevators. Familiarize yourself with the building lock-down and shelter-in-place procedures described on the Emergency Preparedness section of the Public Safety website. Drexel Public Safety also encourages all students, faculty and professional staff to watch the Run.Hide.Fight video on the Drexel Public Safety website under the Active Shooter section of Know What To Do.

7. See something, say something.

Always be aware of your surroundings, even in campus buildings. Report suspicious activity and persons by calling 215.895.2222. Familiarize yourself with multiple points of egress and learn how to use your environment to create boundaries. If you hear a noise that could be gunfire or another type of emergency situation, check your surroundings, get yourself to safety, and call for help. Download the Drexel Guardian safety app to your phone, which gives you another way to initiate immediate contact with Drexel Public Safety in the event of an emergency.

COMMUNITY COMMITMENTS

Donate Items for the Camp Out for Hunger

Drexel Public Safety is collecting donations throughout the month of November for the Philadelphia Camp Out for Hunger 2019, an annual event that collects items for Philabundance. Last year, Public Safety filled their police wagon with items, and they are hoping to exceed that goal this year with your help.

You can drop off the following items through Dec. 2 at the Drexel Public Safety suite in 3201 Arch St. (3rd floor) or Drexel Police Headquarters at 3219 Arch St.:

• Peanut butter and jelly
• Cooking oil
• Canned tuna, meat, fruits, vegetables, stew and/or soups
• Oatmeal and/or breakfast cereal
• Whole grain pasta and/or rice
• 100 percent juice
• Boxed, non-refrigerated milk
• Cash donations to purchase food items

To make a cash donation, request a donation box, or if you have any questions, please contact Linda Moran at lmm467@drexel.edu or Officer Logan Wells at ldw52@drexel.edu.

Market Street Run for Blue 

On Oct. 27, several members of Drexel Public Safety participated in the Market Street Run for Blue, an annual run/walk to raise money and awareness for the Philadelphia Police Foundation.

Drexel Police Monthly Meet & Greet, Nov. 20

On the third Wednesday of every month, stop by the Drexel Police Substation in Gerri C. LeBow Hall (first floor, near the A.J. Drexel statue entrance) from 1–3 p.m. to ask questions, voice concerns, find resources, or just say hello.

SAFETY TIPS — PACKAGE THEFTS

Package thefts are on the rise and tend to increase during the holiday season. Do not leave packages outside for long periods. Arrange for alternative delivery options or make sure someone is present to receive the delivery. Consider implementing some of the practices below:

Have your packages delivered elsewhere, such as an Amazon pick up/return site, P.O. box, or a FedEx or UPS location. It is well worth the minor inconvenience to ensure your packages are safe.

Request that deliveries require a signature. With carriers like FedEx or UPS, you can often set this preference through your customer account, even if the package is already on its way. In other cases, such as U.S. Postal Service deliveries, you will need to arrange for a signature ahead of time.

Subscribe to delivery alerts. All major delivery services offer notification services for package updates. A text message will inform you that your package has arrived.