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As part of our kickoff to the fall term, DPS would like to share a few safety tips to familiarize yourself with before you come to campus next month. Now is a great time to make sure you have these resources!

1. Turn your mobile devices into safety resources:

• Store DPS’ emergency number — 215.895.2222 — in your phone. Add 215.895.2222 to your mobile phone contacts list and label it “Drexel Public Safety.” The DPS Communications Center is operational 24/7, and our dispatchers are available to answer your calls for emergencies, for a walking escort, or to report a crime or suspicious activity. Having an emergency, and don’t have your phone with you? You can also use one of the campus blue-light emergency telephones located throughout campus to reach the DPS Communications Center.
• Download the Drexel Guardian appvia iOS or Google Play. In the event of an emergency, Drexel Guardian allows the Communications Center to immediately access important information about you. Utilize the virtual walking escort feature with built-in safety timer, one-touch buttons to contact Drexel Police or your local 911 call center, as well as the ability to text the DPS Communications Center in the event you are unable to speak aloud while experiencing or reporting an emergency.
• Follow DPS on social media. Drexel Public Safety is on Instagram @drexelpublicsafety and on X (formerly Twitter) @DrexelDPS. Follow us for updates on our community engagement events and helpful safety tips.

2. Stay alert and receive alerts

DrexelALERT is an emergency notification system that provides fast dissemination of crime and safety alerts to Drexel students, faculty and professional staff via text messaging and email. (Please note: New, incoming students will begin to receive alerts approximately six weeks before the start of their first term.)

It’s important to understand that the “Citizen” app that most are familiar with is not always accurate and may not provide factual information. DrexelALERT notifications are the best way to receive up-to-date reliable information, and its effectiveness depends upon individuals providing accurate personal contact information. At the start of each term, students, faculty and professional staff are asked to confirm and update their contact information when they log in to DrexelOne. Public Safety's website has instructions on how to confirm or update your contact information and will also provide additional updates when alerts are disseminated.

3. Safeguard your belongings

DPS encourages all Drexel affiliates to register valuable items including bikes, laptops, mobile phones, scooters, skateboards, etc., through the property registration program, so if any of these items get stolen, law enforcement will have valuable crime-solving information. You can visit the Drexel University Police Department (DUPD) police headquarters at 3219 Arch St. — 24 hours a day, seven days a week — with your property, or stop by one of the upcoming property registration events:

• Sept. 17, 5–8 p.m., Lancaster Walk (behind the Recreation Center)
• Sept. 19, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Race Street Walk

If you’re planning to keep a bike at Drexel, DPS recommends using a U-lock for optimal safekeeping. Don’t have a U-lock? Bring your bike to one of the above registration events or to police headquarters for a free lock. If you’re unsure how to use a U-lock, watch the instructional video on the DPS website or ask any DUPD officer to demonstrate.