Members of Drexel Police directing foot traffic for the 2018 Super Bowl parade.
There’s a great deal happening in February — not only is Super Bowl Sunday on the horizon (Go Birds!), but there's also National Burn Awareness Week (Feb. 5–11) and celebrating Valentine’s Day with Cookies With Cops. No matter what you’re up to this month, Drexel Public Safety is here for you.
Read on to get to know Drexel's new vice president and chief of police, study up on burn prevention, learn how to safely celebrate the Super Bowl outcome, and more.
Have a Super Safe (and Fun!) Super Bowl Sunday
With the Philadelphia Eagles facing the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl on Feb. 12, Public Safety is sharing some tips to help you safely celebrate an Eagles win. (Yes, we’re being optimistic and biased of our hometown team: It’s a Philly Thing!)
If you had the opportunity to participate in 2018 when the Eagles won, you will remember that Drexel's campus and surrounding areas were a bit chaotic and overwhelmed with cheering fans. These tips will help you stay safe if history repeats itself:
- Celebrate close to home. However, if you choose to celebrate elsewhere, walk to and from your destination (SEPTA and Amtrak lines were long waits back in 2018 — upwards of 3+ hours!) and travel with a group.
- Rideshare drivers such as Uber and Lyft may not be operating as normal, so it's best not to rely on them when traveling.
- Travel restrictions and street closures will be in place, so you may not be able to access your normal route by car.
- If you’re on campus, walking escorts are available by calling 215.895.2222, using the Guardian app, or stopping a patrolling officer.
- Dress accordingly (wear layers for cold weather).
- Avoid unruly crowd behavior. If the activity in the area seems unsafe, find a different location to celebrate.
- Do not try to climb the greased poles.
- For 21+ fans: Limit your alcohol intake, and celebrate in moderation.
- Download the Drexel Guardian app and store Drexel's emergency number in your phone, if you haven’t already: 215.895.2222. Public Safety is here for you for any reason, any time.
- Be patient — and, above all, have a great time! Go Birds!
Melvin "Mel" Singleton Jr.
Meet Drexel’s New Vice President and New Chief of Police, Mel Singleton
DrexelNEWS recently sat down with Vice President of Public Safety and Chief of Police Mel Singleton to find out what drew him to Drexel University, his vision for the Department of Public Safety, and more. Read the article on the DrexelNEWS website.
Remembering Security Officer Lamont Butts
Drexel Public Safety joins the Drexel community in grieving Allied Security Officer Lamont Butts, who passed away on Jan. 18. Lamont had served as a security officer on Drexel’s campus for over 15 years, primarily assigned to the Daskalakis Athletic Center, where he was well known and beloved by the staff, student-athletes and other frequent users of the facility. Lamont is survived by his wife, three children and three stepchildren. We send our condolences to his family, friends and all who worked with Lamont. For those who wish to support his family during this difficult time, you can contribute via GoFundMe.
What Burn Risks Lurk in Your Home?
The American Burn Association has designated February 5–11, 2023, National Burn Awareness Week. Did you know that 73 percent of burns occur in the home? With many families spending lots of time at home during the winter months, it is important to be extra careful to prevent burn injuries. These injuries are not specific to food cooked on the stove, either — sometimes, even a too-hot shower can inadvertently harm you. Be mindful to lower that water temperature to prevent scalding your skin. For more prevention tips and resources, visit ameriburn.org.
Some Drexel colleagues stopped by for some cookies, conversation and feedback.
Community Commitments
Celebrate Valentine’s Day With DUPD
Join Public Safety on Feb. 14 from 3–5 p.m. at 33rd and Arch streets for an afternoon treat and conversation with Drexel Police. And in addition to the monthly scheduled Cookies With Cops events, look for us “popping up” around campus and in the community for other fun events.
Have an event or hot spot on campus you’d like Public Safety to come to? Send your suggestions to Linda Moran, lmm467@drexel.edu, and we will do our best to get there!
DPS Educational Programs: Learn How to Protect Yourself
You can request any of the following presentations and trainings by completing the Request a Presentation Form.
Your Safety Is Our Goal (Feb. 23 at 9 a.m. or 4 p.m., and March 21 at 9 a.m. or 5:30 p.m.): This monthly virtual workshop is a great way to learn how to stay aware of your surroundings and always be prepared, not scared, when moving through the city. You may sign up for one of these events on Qualtrics, or if neither of these times work for your schedule, you can request a session by completing the Request a Presentation Form.
Self-Awareness for Everyone (SAFE): Public Safety’s self-protection program aims to give Drexel students, faculty and staff the practical skills, resources, and knowledge to increase their personal safety and protect themselves in unsafe situations. This hands-on class lasts approximately 4.5 hours. Upcoming scheduled sessions are on Feb. 16 and March 14 from 5–9:30 p.m. You can sign up for one of these classes on Qualtrics, but they’re also available by request.
Fire & Emergency Services, Emergency Preparedness: The Office of Fire and Emergency Services offers tailored, data-driven awareness and training programs, by request, to help the Drexel community reduce the risks of fire. Additional topics covered are medical emergencies, elevator entrapments, power outages, gas leaks, and other common challenges.
Workplace Safety Program: The Public Safety & U workplace safety program is designed to empower and educate members of the Drexel community and can be customized to address the unique security challenges of your unit and identify solutions.
We Are Here for You When You Need Us
Please call 215.895.2222 immediately if you experience or witness a crime. Drexel’s Public Safety Communications Center is staffed 24/7 to serve you, whether or not you choose to remain anonymous when making a report. It is vital that crimes are reported promptly to Drexel Police so that they can be investigated, and so that Public Safety can connect the victim(s) with proper resources. You can also contact DPS through the Drexel Guardian app. Drexel Guardian will not track you nor share your information unless you initiate an emergency. To download the app, search for “Rave Guardian” in the app store or Google Play store.
Emergency Numbers
215.895.2222 or 911
TTY: 215.571.4141
Walking Escorts
215.895.2222
To learn more about Drexel Public Safety, visit drexel.edu/publicsafety.