Spring is almost here, the luck of the Irish is in the air, and sports enthusiasts are ready to cheer on their favorite basketball teams during March Madness. With nicer weather on the horizon, and more of the community back on campus, the Department of Public Safety urges you to enjoy all your March activities responsibly.
Alcohol Awareness
Drexel Public Safety does not support underage drinking and encourages all students to find alternate ways to have fun. It is also important to acknowledge that it is much harder to comply with COVID-19 guidelines, such as wearing a mask and physical distancing, while drinking. If you are going to consume alcohol, drinking responsibly is encouraged and expected. Here are some tips as a guideline for safe drinking:
- Know your limit.
- Eat food before and while you drink.
- Drink a glass of water between alcoholic beverages.
- Never accept a drink from someone you don’t know.
- Watch how your drinks are prepared.
- Most drugs and alcohol do not mix well; be sure to read warning labels.
- Never drink and drive; make a plan and designate a driver.
- Don’t let your friends get into a cab or car service, such as Uber or Lyft, alone.
Did You Know? Drinks are not only measured by the size of the container they are served in, but also by the amount of alcohol in the beverage. A “standard drink” contains 0.6 fluid ounces or 14 grams of pure alcohol, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). For more alcohol safety information, visit NIAAA’s “Rethinking Drinking” website. Specific tips for young adults are available at preventionlane.org/young-adults-alcohol.
Alcohol Emergencies and the Responsible Dragon Amnesty Program
Drexel University's primary concerns are the health and safety of its students. The University is aware that students can be reluctant to seek medical attention in alcohol- and drug-related emergencies out of fear they may face sanctions related to possessing or consuming alcohol or other drugs. The Responsible Dragons Amnesty Program (RDAP) provides amnesty from disciplinary action under the alcohol and drug policies for students or student organizations who seek medical assistance during an alcohol- or drug-related emergency. More information on RDAP can be found in the Student Code of Conduct.
Knowing how to recognize and take action during an alcohol-related emergency could save a life. Alcohol depresses nerves that control involuntary actions such as breathing, heartbeat and gag reflexes that prevent choking. When someone consumes too much alcohol, these functions will eventually stop. If a person seems fine but has consumed dangerous amounts of alcohol, this individual’s Blood Alcohol Content will continue to rise as the body digests, so it is still important to take action.
If you suspect an alcohol emergency, call 215.895.2222 or 911 right away. Please remember that alcohol emergencies are medical emergencies and need to be addressed immediately. Paramedics and law enforcement are on your side and here to help.
Staying Safe on Campus and Over Spring Break
Learn About Situational Preparedness: Your Goal Is Our Safety
Students living in a new city and attending college may encounter potentially dangerous situations they have not dealt with before. Being aware of your surroundings and recognizing situations that are potentially dangerous are key to keeping yourself safe. Public Safety is now offering virtual, interactive, monthly presentations on situational preparedness that educate students about measures they can take to prevent themselves from being victims of a crime. The sessions provide tips to encourage students not to be scared, but to be prepared.
The first of these presentations, hosted by Drexel Community Relations Officers Kim McClay and Thomas Cirone, will be held March 25 from 6–7 p.m. To RSVP and receive the Zoom link, please contact Officer Cirone at tjc94@drexel.edu or Officer McClay at kam556@drexel.edu.
Health & Safety Over Spring Break
In a recent email communication, Drexel University’s Return Oversight Committee provided recommendations and resources to the Drexel community to ensure that we all have a relaxing and safe spring break later in March, as we continue to follow recommended COVID-19 health and safety protocols. You can read the message on DrexelNow.
Community Commitments
Blood Drive on April 2
Join Drexel Public Safety and the American Red Cross for an upcoming blood drive on April 2, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Red Cross House, 400 Powelton Ave. Register here using sponsor code “Drexel Police.”
Healthy Hearts for Families
Drexel Public Safety recently launched “Healthy Hearts for Families” to help fill the pantry at the Ronald McDonald House of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The Public Safety team was successful in donating healthy snacks for the families staying at the House while their children are being treated.
Important Reminders
- We’re here for you when you need us. Drexel Public Safety urges you to call 215.895.2222 immediately if you are the victim of or witness to a crime. Our Communications Center is staffed 24-7 in order 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.
- Take precautions against vehicle thefts. Public Safety encourages students, faculty and professional staff to be alert, take precautions and report crimes and suspicious activities. Remember to lock your vehicles, remove your keys from the vehicle and never leave your car running, even if you are just going into a store for a quick errand. Park in well-lit areas and do not leave any items, including small change, in view inside of your vehicle. For more safety tips and information about vehicle thefts, please review this feature in the Triangle.
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.