The Department of Public Safety would like to congratulate the Class of 2020! While we know this is not how graduates and families anticipated your time at Drexel coming to an end, we want to recognize your important role in keeping our campus safe during your tenure. From registering your property and activating the Rave Guardian app to participating in our self-defense classes and information sessions, we applaud and thank you for your partnership.

Drexel EMS: Partner and Community Ally

This year, Drexel University Emergency Medical Services (EMS) received recognition as a Bronze-Tier EMS Ready Campus for their extraordinary efforts in emergency response planning. The National Collegiate Emergency Medical Services Foundation (NCEMSF) awards this merit to EMS programs for excellence in communication, interagency operations, special-threat preparedness and other procedures crucial to emergency response. Notable efforts from the team include developing a new Multiple Casualty Incident plan, writing a paper about a hypothetical active threat on campus and performing a Hazard Vulnerability Assessment. Congratulations to the EMS team, and thank you for going above and beyond to keep Drexel safe!

Not only is Drexel EMS an asset to our campus, but also they are a great partner to the community. At the end of last month, they visited a few Philadelphia Fire Department stations and donated pizzas, salad and cookies to the firefighters who were working.

We want to recognize the following graduating students for their achievements during their membership in Drexel EMS. This group has displayed tremendous dedication and leadership. We thank you for your long hours and wish you much success in your future endeavors.

• Adin Shah — 54 calls, 459 hours
• Camille Prairie (Lieutenant) — 78 calls, 809.5 hours
• Elizabeth Sinclair — 88 calls, 754 hours
• Ishaan Bhatt — 30 calls, 340 hours
• Kacie Riebman — 42 calls, 742 hours
• Olivia D'Alessandro (Chief) — 87 calls, 1,223 hours
• Sadie Shaw — 41 calls, 530 hours
• Shadi Memar (Captain) — 48 calls, 612 hours
• Shilpa Donde (Lieutenant) — 77 calls, 807 hours
• Tanmay Majmudar — 19 calls, 139 hours

Do Your Part — Wear a Mask

Even though Philadelphia has entered the “yellow” phase of pandemic response as outlined by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf, it is important to continue taking precautions. Drexel Public Safety urges all community members to wear a mask or face covering when in public and to follow physical distancing guidelines as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and your local public health agencies.

Drexel’s Center for Functional Fabrics worked tirelessly to develop masks suitable for extended-wear occupations and afforded Public Safety the opportunity to use them. Officers and staff provided feedback to the Center, which will help with future designs. Thank you to the developers and staff at the Fabric Center for keeping us safe.

Safety Tips: Remembering the Rules of the Road

Even though you may not be venturing out of your homes as frequently, it is important to remember the rules of the road have not changed during the pandemic. Law enforcement and traffic experts report that reckless driving is on the rise due to the lower volume on the roads. Both drivers and pedestrians should be mindful of each other, bicyclists on the road and construction zones that are back up and running.

For Pedestrians

The rights and duties of pedestrians vary greatly depending on the situation. It's important to familiarize yourself with Pennsylvania laws (or the laws in your state) as well as standard safety tips:

• LAW: Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available. If no sidewalk is available, you must walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic.
• TIP: Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach you to make sure you are seen.
• LAW: Motorists must yield to pedestrians crossing the street at marked and unmarked intersections; however, the pedestrian must either be within the crosswalk or affirmatively indicate an intent to cross.
• TIP: Be visible at all times. At night, wear reflective materials, apply reflective tape and/or use a flashlight.
• TIP: Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections whenever possible.
• LAW: Pedestrians shall not suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute a hazard.
• TIP: Keep alert at all times. That means putting away your electronic devices so you can stay focused on your path.

For Drivers

Despite roads being less traveled, drivers should be aware of posted speed limits and adhere to all laws that are in place. Please review these PennDOT guidelines for vehicle registration, license renewal and allowances during state closures and limitations: penndot.gov/pages/coronavirus.aspx.