Grad Center Gnome's Safety Tips

Campus & Community Safety during 2006-07 Winter Break
From the Division of Public Safety

The Division of Public Safety continues to provide comprehensive safety and security services on a 24x7 basis for all areas comprising the Penn Patrol Zone, which includes 30th Street to 43rd Street, on the east-west border, and Market Street to Baltimore Avenue, on the north-south border. Penn Police and Allied Barton security officer staffing levels will remain consistent throughout the holiday break.

Please utilize both the Walking Escort Services (215/898.WALK), available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in the following boundaries: 29th-50th Street, Spring Garden to Baltimore) AND Penn Transit Services (215/898.RIDE), operated by the Division of Business Services, for mobile escort services for all members of the Penn community, from 6pm – 3am daily (*On-call for emergencies, 3am-7am), operating within  the following boundaries: 50th Street – 20th Street and Spring Garden Street to Woodland Avenue – http://www.upenn.edu/transportation.

Please program the PennComm Emergency Number, 215/573.3333, into your cell phone speed dial. Use this number for all medical and emergency-related calls, including the reporting of suspicious behavior, to reach Penn Police and emergency response personnel. You can also request a walking escort with this number.

The Division of Public Safety will be conducting Special Checks of Residential Properties during the following time frame: 5 p.m. Wednesday, December, 20, 2006 through 7 a.m. Monday, January 8, 2006. At least two business days in advance of their departure, students, faculty and staff who live within the following geographical boundaries- 30th to 43rd Street and Baltimore Avenue to Market Street- may list their residence with the Penn Police Department for Special Checks during the period it will be vacant. If you would like to list your residence for Special Checks complete the application form on the Public Safety website at www.publicsafety.upenn.edu. Go to “Online Forms” and follow the instructions for submission.

From 2004, but still pertinant today! I infiltrated the Penn Police Department and obtained the Captain's not-so-super-secret memo about HOT safety tips for the end of the semester.

TO: University of Pennsylvania Students, Staff and faculty
FROM: Captain Joseph D. Fischer
DATE: December 3, 2004
SUBJECT: HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS (note: I am aware that some people don't celebrate holidays at this time and should not be mad at him for the use of the word.)

The Holiday season should be full of joy and happiness. Unfortunately it is also a time of the year when crimes against property traditionally increase and the highways become increasingly dangerous due to careless and or impaired motor vehicle operators. In order to make your holidays joyous and safe, the University of Pennsylvania Police Department offers the following suggestions related to crime prevention and vehicle safety:

WORKPLACE SAFETY:
• Keep personal items such as handbags, wallets etc. in a locked, secure area.
• Electronic items such as palm pilots, laptop computers should be secured when left unattended.
• Offices should be secured when unattended. If you don’t have a lock on your office door, request that one is installed.
• Report suspicious behavior to the University Police by dialing 511 from any University telephone or 215-573-3333 from a non-University phone. We suggest that you incorporate this number into your cell phone speed dialer.

VEHICLE SAFETY:
• Never leave items in your vehicle that are visible to the public. Mall parking garages and lots are favorite targets of the opportunistic thief. Stow away items such as gifts etc. in the trunk of your vehicle. If you have a SUV, cover these items with an old blanket or sheet.
• Park your vehicle in a well lit area and be cognizant of your surroundings. Carry a cell phone with you and be prepared to call the Police in case of an emergency.

SHOPPING SAFETY:
• Be aware of your surroundings. Carry only the credit cards that you intend to use and avoid carrying large sums of money.
• Use ATM machines that are in well-lit safe environments. Avoid using ATM’s that are located in Malls. Pickpockets normally work these areas looking for people withdrawing large sums of cash. Locations such as WAWA are usually well-lit safe locations for ATM withdrawals. There is also an ATM in the lobby of the Division of Public Safety at 4040 Chestnut Street, there is a $1.00 service fee for non-members.
• Thieves often target food courts. Don’t leave handbags, gifts etc. unattended. Shopping in pairs will minimize your risk of being a crime victim.
• Secure your credit card receipts. Someone gaining access to your credit card numbers could be the first step in having your identity stolen.

HIGHWAY SAFETY:
• The University of Pennsylvania Police Department is a recipient of the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Silver Buckle Award. This award presented through the Governors Office is the result of our promotion, education, training and enforcement of proper seat belt usage. Buckle up for safety, it is not just good common sense, it’s the law.
• Alcohol is often served at Holiday parties. DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE.
• When driving on the highway it is recommended to have a cellular telephone available in case of emergencies.

Let the Gnome know if you have other ideas that can be added to this list.