Emergency Phone Numbers

• Drexel University Public Safety: 215-895-2222
  • Dial the last four digits when calling from a campus phone: 2222

• Universal United States Emergency Telephone Number: 911
  • You can call 911 any time in the United States for any emergency that would require police, fire rescue, or emergency medical services. It is a free call that can be made from any landline or cell phone.

Campus Safety

Drexel University's Department of Public Safety works to maintain a safe campus environment for all students, faculty, and staff.

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Safety in Philadelphia

When walking in a public area

• Stay alert. Keep your mind on your surroundings: who is in front of you and who is behind you. Don't get distracted. Using technology such as cell phones and gaming devices can reduce your awareness of your surroundings.
• Try to stay in groups when you go out, especially at night. This will reduce your chances of being a target of crime.
• Keep items close and secure. Don't give someone an opportunity to grab your bag or laptop as they run by you.
• Avoid displaying anything expensive unnecessarily in public. Laptops and other expensive items can also attract the attention of thieves.
• Plan a safe, well-lit route and know where you are going.
• Communicate the message that you are calm and confident and know where you are going.
• Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a place or situation, leave.
• If you feel that you are being followed, immediately go into a public, well-lit area; avoid going into closed areas that will have no other exit.
• Call 911 or Drexel Police if you feel threatened.
• If necessary, scream. This might not frighten an attacker, but it should make other people in the area pay attention.

Personal Items

• Be very careful with handbags, book bags, etc. Don't leave these items on the floor of movie theaters, cafés, or any other crowded public space. Don't leave them on the back of the chair in cafés or restaurants. It is too easy for someone to open it without your noticing them.
• Keep your passports and visas safe at home. We recommend using your Dragon card and getting a Pennsylvania ID card for your daily identification needs since they are easier to replace and will have less personal information on it that an identity thief could use.

When Using ATMs

• Choose one that is nearby and safe, for example the ATM at the Creese Student Center.
• Be aware of your surroundings: use a well-lit area and pay attention to the people around you at the ATM.
• Don't count your money at the ATM.

Escort and Shuttle Service

• Use the free Drexel escort and shuttle services.
• Request an escort walk you to your building, car, or transportation stop by calling 215-895-2833.

When riding buses, trolleys or subways

• Use stops where there are many people.
• Sit near the driver on the bus or trolley. On the subway, sit in the first car since that's where the driver is.
• Stay alert. Do not fall asleep.
• Move toward other people if uncomfortable or followed.

When Jogging and Riding Bicycles

• Lock your bike on a strong metal rack. Use a "U-bar" lock and remember to lock your front tire and bike frame.
• Know where you are going and follow the rules of the road when riding a bicycle.
• Avoid jogging or bike riding at night.
• Do not wear headphones when riding a bicycle or when jogging in the city.

If something happens to you

• If you are robbed, do not resist. Personal items are less valuable than your life and can be replaced later.
• Remain calm. Try not to panic.
• Call the police first: 911 for Philadelphia police, 215-895-2222 for Drexel police. In an emergency, if possible, call both. Drexel Police may be faster to arrive.
• Try your best to describe the crime to the police.
• After the situation is resolved, report it to ELC staff.