Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Celebrate Summer Holidays Responsibly
Fireworks usage increases during the summer months, and an extreme percentage of injuries occur in the weeks before and after the July holiday. Don’t become a casualty this summer: Please think twice before using fireworks and sparklers to celebrate, but if you do, use caution and use them legally.
Staying Safe While Keeping Cool in the Water
Recreational water safety should be at the top of everyone’s list this summer. Whether your water exposure is confined to a pool or expands to lakes and oceans, being informed could save a life! Each water environment poses its own risks, and specific precautions should be taken. The American Red Cross offers first aid, CPR and water safety courses for you and your family, as well as the tips below:
- Always swim with a buddy.
- Do not consume drugs or alcohol before or during these activities.
- When boating, fishing or jet skiing, wear an approved life jacket.
- Swim in a lifeguarded area.
- Follow all posted signs on the beach, including avoiding the water when rip currents are strong and swimming after hours.
- Know the signs that someone is drowning.
Deputy Chief of Police and Director of Investigations LaMonte Adams
Get to Know Us! Deputy Chief LaMonte Adams
LaMonte Adams joined Drexel’s Department of Public Safety three months ago as the deputy chief of police and director of investigations. He said his favorite part of the job during his short time with the University so far has been engaging with those in the surrounding community, including students, professional staff, vendors, store owners and the DPS personnel.
As a fun fact, Adams shared his experience traveling and studying for three months in Bangkok, Thailand, at Chulalongkorn University. He had been awarded a scholarship through Rotary International’s Peace Fellowship, Conflict Resolution Program, which provided him the opportunity to engage with 21 people from 10 different countries, which was to him the most rewarding portion of the program. He says learning about the various cultures and their personal experiences, both good and challenging, was so impactful, and he will never forget it.
Adams shared a message to the University community: “Awareness and common sense are your first line of defense. Pay attention to your surroundings, pay attention to people’s hands. Generally, anyone with ill intent will have to use their hands to harm you. Baseline behavior is an accepted, civil behavior in each environment. Be aware of anomalies or oddities in people’s behavior or in an area. If you identify these issues, place as much distance between you and the individual or area, as quickly as you can.”
Happy Retirement to Dr. Marla Gold
The Department of Public Safety sends sincere well wishes to Drexel’s Senior Vice Provost for Community Health and Chief Wellness Officer Marla Gold, MD, on her retirement. Gold led the implementation of key recommendations from 21CP Solutions, including development of the DPS Workload and Crime Dashboard and the creation of the Drexel Public Safety Oversight Committee. You can learn more about the progress made to-date in a recent article about the Oversight Committee the published on DrexelNews. Thank you for your leadership, insight and guidance!
DUPD invites the community to National Night out 2023 on Aug. 1 from 5–9 p.m. on Lancaster Walk.
Community Commitments
National Night Out – Aug. 1
National Night Out (NNO) is an annual community-building campaign that promotes strong police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live and work. NNO enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community and offers an opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. And it’s coming to Drexel this August from 5–9 p.m. on Aug. 1 at Lancaster Walk! Bring your roommates, neighbors, colleagues and family for an evening of resources and fun interactive activities.
Two-part Self-Protection Course, SAFE
Public Safety’s self-protection program, Self-Awareness for Everyone (SAFE), 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 July 10, July 12, Aug. 9 and Aug. 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 July 24, July 26, Aug. 23 and Aug. 28.
Additional DPS Educational Programs
You can request any of the other presentations and trainings offered by Drexel Public Safety by completing the Request a Presentation Form.
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
To learn more about Drexel Public Safety, visit drexel.edu/publicsafety.
