Looking for an indoor activity on these frigid days? Sign up for a SAFE class, like the one the Women’s Rowing Team recently completed with Drexel Public Safety.
As we navigate the winter term and winter weather together, Drexel Public Safety (DPS) is highlighting essential guidance from the American Heart Association and the American Burn Association to address the unique risks of the season and keep our community informed and healthy.
But first: Drexel Public Safety wants to hear from you! The annual public comment period is open for the Drexel University Police Department and DPS Communications Center. We value your feedback.
Combating the Elements: Dress for Warmth
According to the American Heart Association, temperature is only part of the story; wind, snow and rain can rapidly "steal" your body heat. Wind strips away the thin layer of warmth your body naturally produces — at 30°F with a 30-mph wind, it feels like 15°F.
- Layer up: Wear multiple loose layers to trap air as natural insulation.
- Protect extremities: Heat escapes rapidly through the head, hands and feet. Always wear a hat to prevent frostbite on your ears, and use insulated gloves.
Smart Snow Removal: Protect Your Heart
Shoveling snow is a strenuous activity that can place a sudden, dangerous strain on your heart. The American Heart Association recommends these practical steps for safer snow removal:
- Pace yourself: Take frequent breaks. Do not "power through" if you feel tired.
- Avoid alcohol: Don't drink before or after shoveling; it masks the strain on your body and creates a false sense of warmth.
- Push, don't lift: Push snow instead of lifting it to reduce physical exertion.
- Know the warning signs: If you suspect a heart attack, do not wait. Call 215.895.2222 or 911 immediately. Minutes matter. Learn CPR in case of an emergency.
Burn Awareness Week: Campus & Housing Safety Tips
In recognition of National Burn Awareness Week (Feb. 1–7), Drexel Public Safety is highlighting fire and burn prevention strategies for our campus community. According to the American Burn Association (ABA), four out of five campus-related fires occur in student housing. Whether in a residence hall or an off-campus apartment, simple mistakes can lead to serious injuries. Keep these tips in mind to protect yourself and your neighbors.
- Cook with care: Never leave a stove or microwave unattended. Ensure you use microwave-safe containers. Unattended cooking is the No. 1 cause of fires on campuses nationwide.
- Monitor electrical loads: Avoid overloading electrical outlets or chaining power strips. Ensure that all cords are in good condition.
- Respect fire policies: Items like candles, incense, halogen lamps and e-scooters are prohibited in Drexel residence halls.
- Lab protocol: Always wear required personal protective equipment. Know the location of the nearest safety shower before starting any experiment. For lab emergencies, call 215.895.2222 or 911 immediately. Refer to Drexel’s Environmental Health and Radiation Safety website for more information.
- Treat burns carefully: If a burn occurs, cool it with running tap water for 5–10 minutes. Visit the ABA’s Initial Burn Care Resource for more "dos and don'ts."
Contact DPS’ Fire and Emergency Services unit to request a fire safety or emergency preparedness presentation today!
Optimizing the Drexel Guardian App
One of the many safety resources available to all members of the Drexel community, the Drexel Guardian mobile app allows you to take control of your own safety by inviting family, friends and even DPS to be your “guardians.” To get the most out of the app, ensure your device allows the required permissions.
For iOS (Apple):
- Notifications: Allow — required for emergency alerts and chat messages.
- Location Services: Set to Always Allow — ensures Safety Timers and geofenced alerts work even when the app is in the background.
- Focus Modes: Add Drexel Guardian as an Allowed App in Do Not Disturb, Sleep, or Work modes — prevents alerts from being silenced.
- Offload Unused Apps: Turn Off — prevents the OS from deleting the app to save space.
- Camera/Photos: Allow if you plan to send photos via “Submit a Tip” or Chat.
For Android:
- Notifications: Allow — required for alerts and chat messages.
- Location Permissions: Set to Allow all the time — ensures Safety Timers and geofenced alerts work when the screen is locked.
- App Hibernation: Turn Off “Remove permissions if app is unused” — prevents the OS from revoking permissions if the app isn’t opened for a while.
- Battery Optimization: Set to Unrestricted or Allow Background Activity — prevents the OS from closing the app in the background.
- Camera/Photos: Allow if you plan to send photos via “Submit a Tip” or Chat.
For more on how to leverage Drexel Guardian for your safety, read “How Does it Work? Drexel Guardian” in DrexelNEWS, and the Guardian FAQ on the DPS website.
Traffic Alert: Market Street Construction
As SEPTA makes improvements to its 34th Street subway station, traffic control and lane restrictions on Market Street near the station are expected from winter 2026 through spring 2027. A few blocks east, PennDOT’s Market Street Bridges Rehabilitation Project continues to cause disruptions. Use caution when traveling along Market Street, follow posted signage, and build extra travel time into your schedule as needed.
Emergency Text Signups Placeholder
In addition to the DrexelALERT system, consider signing up for your county’s emergency alert system for up-to-date information about severe weather events and other emergencies. Some examples relevant to Drexel’s campus locations include:
- ReadyPhila (Philadelphia)
- ReadyMontco (Montgomery County, PA)
- Berks County Emergency Alerts (West Reading, PA)
Civilian Investigator Andrew Maddox (pictured at right) was honored for his 25 years of service at Drexel’s service recognition celebration.
Get to Know Us: Andrew Maddox
The Department of Public Safety thanks Public Safety Investigator Andrew Maddox for his 25 years of service, hard work and dedication to the University.
Andrew began his career on Drexel’s campus in 1996 as a security officer with SpectaGuard/Allied Universal. In 2000, he joined Drexel as a public safety dispatcher, and in 2004 was promoted to public safety supervisor, where he oversaw both dispatchers and security officers. In 2007, he advanced to the role of public safety investigator. When the Drexel University Police Department was established in 2009, Andrew continued his role as a civilian investigator and was tasked with launching the property custodian program.
Today, Andrew supports the University in many ways, by conducting video investigations across all campuses, programming and maintaining CCTV camera operations, managing found property and evidence as the property custodian, and maintaining strong partnerships with Allied Universal colleagues. Through comprehensive video investigations, DPS’ Investigative Unit has successfully identified and apprehended suspects and recovered stolen property. Andrew says his favorite part of the job is helping our community by identifying suspects and assisting victims during difficult moments.
Outside of work, Andrew enjoys buying, repairing and reselling vehicles. As a sneaker enthusiast, he has over 60 pairs and is also a collector of watches, though his go-to these days is his smartwatch. His favorite food truck is Happy Sunshine on Arch Street, and his go-to beach destination is Virginia Beach.
When asked what message he wanted to share with the Drexel community, Andrew cited a quote from Henry Ford: “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.”
The Drexel women’s rowing team getting hands-on instruction during a recent SAFE class.
Sign Up for a SAFE Class Today!
Self Awareness for Everyone (SAFE) aims to give the Drexel community practical skills and resources to increase personal safety. These three-hour, hands-on classes are open to any student, faculty or staff member and are offered on specific Tuesdays and Saturdays each month.
- What to expect: Classes begin with an overview of safety mindsets and reporting processes. Instructors then guide you through stances, patterns of movement, striking techniques (like palm strikes), and defenses against grabs or chokes.
- How to join: You can find the schedule on the DPS Events Calendar. Email dpssafe@drexel.edu to register for an upcoming class. You can also request a class if you have a larger group that you would like to schedule outside of monthly class dates.
- Schedule: Next classes take place on March 3 (5–8 p.m.) and March 7 (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.).
- Bring a buddy: Due to the hands-on nature of the training, we strongly recommend registering with a fellow Dragon. While participation in physical techniques is recommended, it is not required.
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. It is vital that crimes are reported promptly to Drexel Police so they can be investigated, and so Public Safety can connect the victim(s) with proper resources. You can also contact DPS through the Drexel Guardian app, which 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