Happy new year, Dragons! What’s on your list of 2024 resolutions? Drexel Public Safety is hoping your personal safety is one of them! In this edition of Public Safety & U, read up on information on winter weather preparedness, situational awareness and crime prevention programs that will help you develop critical personal safety habits to last throughout the year.
Get Ready for Winter Weather
This week’s snowfall felt like the official start to winter weather season. If you felt a little unprepared after the snow drought Philadelphia has experienced in recent years, be sure to familiarize yourself with the City of Philadelphia's Winter Weather resource page, which includes details on the city’s response to weather emergencies, tips on how to stay warm, snow removal, de-icing your vehicle, driving safely, vehicle preparations, pet safety and more. You can also sign up to receive text alerts from the Office of Emergency Management regarding weather, road closures and other emergent notifications through ReadyPhiladelphia.
Drexel University inclement weather advisories are sent through the DrexelALERT system. To ensure you’re receiving alerts on University weather-related delays and closings, make sure your information is correct in Drexel’s system by logging into DrexelOne, selecting the Welcome tab, and then selecting “DrexelALERT” under the “Safety, Security and Support” header.
Kick Off 2024 With a Crime Prevention Workshop
New year, same commitment to the safety and well-being of the community!
Drexel Public Safety offers a wide variety of engaging prevention programs to help you stay safe and aware, so make this the year you resolve to take advantage of at least one of these offerings.
You can request any of the following presentations and trainings by completing the Request a Presentation Form.
As you can see below, some of these presentations and trainings are are also available to the general Drexel community throughout the year.
Here are some upcoming sessions that will be held in January and February:
- Self-Awareness for Everyone (SAFE): Public Safety’s self-protection program, Self-Awareness for Everyone, is split into two sessions: SAFE I and SAFE II. Due to the hands-on nature of the class, we strongly recommend you register with a fellow Dragon. Participation in the techniques is recommended, but not required. Registration is required 72 hours prior to the class. You can register via Eventbrite for these classes. These classes are also available by request for your group.
- SAFE I classes will be offered the second week of every month on Monday and Wednesday from 5–7 p.m. Upcoming classes are on Feb. 12 and Feb. 14.
- SAFE II classes will be offered the fourth week of every month on Monday and Wednesday from 5–7 p.m. and cannot be taken until you have completed SAFE I. Upcoming classes are on Jan. 24, Feb. 26, and Feb. 28.
- Your Safety Is Our Goal: This 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.
- 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, 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.
Tips Right From the Officers: Be Aware of Your Surroundings
The hustle and bustle of everyday life often has our minds focused on several things at once, leaving us open to potential risk. Drexel Police Sergeant Fernando Santiago urges the University community to heed the following safety advice:
- Always be aware of your surroundings. Whether you are in campus buildings, malls or restaurants, it’s important to know where the exits are. You should always walk with your head up, observing people and objects around you.
- Pay attention to people who may need help or a situation that seems suspicious; if you see something, say something.
- Keep at least one ear free of listening devices so you don’t completely tune out any potential safety threats that could be out of your line of vision.
DPS Wants Your Feedback
As part of the accreditation process for the Drexel Police Department and Public Safety Communications Center, DPS seeks your feedback via the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) public portal. You can add comments on both the Drexel Police portal and the Drexel Public Safety Communications Center portal. Portals will be open until March 4.
The purpose of the portal is to receive comments regarding Drexel Public Safety's compliance with CALEA standards, engagement in the service community, delivery of public safety services, and overall candidacy for accredited status. These comments can be in the form of commendations or concerns. The intent of the accreditation process is to provide the participating agency with information to support continuous improvement, as well as foster the pursuit of professional excellence.
The Drexel University Police Department and Drexel Public Safety Communications Center have been accredited by CALEA since November 2011.
Thank you for your participation!
Community Commitments
Cookies with Cops: Jan. 30
Join DPS for the first Cookies With Cops of 2024. Public Safety will be on Korman Quad on Jan. 30 starting at 1 p.m. Stop by for some cookies, hot chocolate and friendly conversations!
Did You Get Your Free Steering Wheel Lock Yet?
Drexel affiliates and surrounding community residents who own a Hyundai or Kia can come to Drexel University Police Headquarters, 3219 Arch St., and pick up a steering wheel lock free of charge. A valid driver’s license and proof of Hyundai or Kia vehicle registration will be required to receive the steering wheel lock.
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