From snowstorms to Super Bowl-bound Birds, it’s been an eventful winter season so far. Drexel Public Safety remains here for the community 24/7, sharing resources to help keep you and the greater Philly community safe
Read on for seasonal tips and observances, as well as an exciting opportunity to earn wellness points for taking self-protection classes.
“Snow” Need to Panic: Stay Informed and Prepared for Inclement Weather
Safety Alerts
To be prepared for the next snowfall and keep you, your property and vehicle warm, Drexel Public Safety (DPS) urges you to familiarize yourself with winter weather preparedness resources that are offered through Philadelphia's Office of Emergency Management. Sign up for ReadyPhiladelphia text alerts to receive notifications regarding weather, road closures and other significant disruptions – including celebrations that will occur if our hometown Philadelphia Eagles win the Super Bowl (see more info below)!
Another source of preparedness comes from DrexelAlerts. Whether it’s an active campus emergency or weather-related advisory, these alerts are specific to the Drexel’s campus. To ensure you are getting alerts on weather-related delays and closings, make sure your information is correct in Drexel’s system by logging into DrexelOne: To check your info, select the Welcome tab, and then select “DrexelALERT” under the “Safety, Security and Support” header.
Shoveling Snow? Review These Tips
February is American Heart Month, and the American Heart Association cautions that cold temperatures and shoveling snow can lead to dangerous heart issues. Practical tips while removing snow include:
- Take frequent breaks
- Listen to your body and know the signs of a heart attack
- Don’t drink alcohol before or immediately after shoveling
- Consult your physician if you have medical concerns
- Know how to prevent hypothermia
- Learn CPR in case of an emergency
Staying Safe While Celebrating Big Wins
With the Philadelphia Eagles facing the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl on Feb. 9, 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 in 2018!) 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!
Preventing Burns in the Home
Each year, the American Burn Association presents National Burn Awareness Week, which runs this year from Feb. 2–8. This year’s theme, Burn Prevention Where You Live, Work, and Play — Preventing Burns in the Homes, focuses on reducing burn risks in homes, apartments and all living spaces, including dorms. Follow this checklist to keep yourself and loved ones safe:
- Test smoke alarms and replace batteries
- Review and practice your fire escape plan
- Check and learn to use your fire extinguisher
- Clear flammable materials away from heat sources
- Commit to kitchen safety
- Participate in fire safety events
- Inspect electrical cords and outlets
- Check heating devices for safety
Drexel’s Fire and Emergency Services unit has more fire safety tips, and you can request a fire safety or emergency preparedness presentation at any time.
Protecting Privacy Together: Data Privacy Week
Every year, Data Privacy Week is celebrated the week of January 28 to commemorate the signing of Convention 108, the first legally binding international treaty on privacy and data protection. Data Privacy Week is a time to reflect on the importance of protecting personal information in an increasingly connected world. Whether you're a student, faculty, staff member or visitor, your data matters! This year’s observance may have passed, but the resources and tips shared on the Privacy Program Services website are evergreen.
New: Self-Protection Classes Eligible for Employee Wellness Points
SAFE (Self-Awareness for Everyone) classes are now part of the Employee Wellness Incentive Program. Participants in Drexel’s Wellness Incentive Program are eligible to earn 15 points (a $15 credit) for attending a SAFE class. Scheduled classes and registration can be found on Eventbrite. This term, in-person classes will be held twice a month:
- March 10, 5–8 p.m.
- March 29, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- April 14, 5–8 p.m.
- April 26, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- May 12, 5–8 p.m.
- May 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Wellness Incentive Program is designed to help you improve your health and wellness, increase workplace wellness, and cultivate a culture of health. You must register for the annual program AND complete your annual Personal Health Profile before you are eligible to receive any payouts. Points for attending these events will be sent to Health Advocate on a monthly basis for the prior month’s activities. There will be a six-week delay in these points and payouts being distributed.
“Locking in the SAFE Mindset” is a new virtual preparedness presentation that provides participants with resources and knowledge to increase their personal safety and protect themselves in an unsafe situation, and the opportunity to earn 15 wellness points. The program focuses on your mindset, self-awareness and information on how and to whom you should report incidents and any safety concerns. Part of this presentation contains information on sexual assault, what to do, and resources available if you or a loved one are the victim. The presenters are comprised of members of the Department of Public Safety. Please note: Some of the material covered in this presentation is sensitive in nature. Sign up for this virtual presentation on Qualtrics. This term, presentations are offered once a month:
- March 4, 12–1 p.m.
- April 1, 12–1 p.m.
- May 6, 12–1 p.m.
Get to Know Us: Sergeant Joe Spina, Officer Mike Ricciardi, and the Mummers Parade
Ever wonder what it looks like to parade down Broad Street as a Mummer on New Year’s Day? Drexel Police Sergeant Joe Spina and Officer Mike Ricciardi take us inside one of their off-the-job hobbies as Mummers and tell us a little about their jobs here at Drexel University.
In his 11th year of law enforcement, Sergeant Spina has been with the DUPD for the last six years and is currently assigned to mid-shift (on duty 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.). He also helps the department with training requirements as a certified instructor. He says his favorite part about his job is being able to interact with and help the public. He believes it is important to have transparency and good communication with the public, because strong relationships between the police and community help with understanding, and when the public feels comfortable with the police, answering questions becomes easier.
A fun fact about Sergeant Spina is that he marches in the Philadelphia Mummers Parade on New Years Day. He finds this tradition to be a great way to ring in the new year with friends and family. His message to the community is to always stay vigilant and never let your guard down; if you see something, do not hesitate to say something.
Officer Ricciardi has been with Drexel for two years and proudly serves the University community — not just as a police officer, but also as a certified instructor for the department and one of the assistants in DPS’ SAFE classes. He says his favorite part of the job is the opportunity to mentor and guide others, whether it’s through training new officers or fostering meaningful connections on campus. He enjoys meeting the people in the community and building a strong bond with them, as well as getting out to the sporting events and watching all the student athletes working as a team.
There’s more to Officer Ricciardi’s story than his badge and uniform. From the day he was born, he’s been immersed in the rich traditions of the Philadelphia Mummers. Starting with the Comics Division, then joining the String Bands in 1996, he is a proud banjo player with the Fralinger String Band. He enjoys performing in front of the crowds on New Years Day and entertaining people from all over.
When not working with the DUPD, Officer Ricciardi enjoys his time at the beach, fishing and officiating softball games, and is proud to say that before entering law enforcement, he served in the United States Marine Corps. He is also back in the classroom, taking courses at Drexel to fulfill another lifelong goal: earning his degree. Officer Ricciardi’s message to the community is that safety is a shared responsibility, and he encourages everyone to look out for one another. Ask questions, get to know your neighbors, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you see something that concerns you or if you just want to chat. Finally, if you don’t have the Drexel Guardian app, he encourages you to download it now. Stay safe, stay kind, and know Drexel Public Safety is always here to support you.
Community Commitments
Follow Drexel Public Safety on Instagram for safety tips, department events, plus a new feature: FAQ Friday.
Get answers to frequently asked questions about the public safety department!
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: 445.221.5436
Walking Escorts
215.895.2222