Are the Batteries in Your Home a Fire Safety Hazard

Are the Batteries in Your Home a Fire Safety Hazard?

How to Buy, Charge and Recycle Lithium-ion Batteries Safely

The theme of this year's Fire Prevention Week - "Charge Into Fire Safety: Lithium-ion Batteries in Your Home" - stresses the importance of buying, charging and recycling these increasingly common rechargeable batteries safely.

"While these batteries provide an effective and efficient source of power, the likelihood of them overheating, catching on fire, and even leading to explosions increases when they are damaged or improperly used, charged, or stored," warns the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). For Fire Prevention Week, observed Oct. 5-11, NFPA shares the following related lithium-ion battery safety tips:

• Buy only listed products. When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, look for a safety certification mark such as UL, ETL or CSA.
• Charge devices safely. Always use the cords that came with the product to charge. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved. Charge your device on a hard surface, and be sure not to overcharge your device.
• Recycle batteries responsibly.Don't throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire. Recycle your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.

For more information, watch and share NFPA's YouTube video on the topic.

Clery Compliance: Our Shared Responsibility for Safety

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) requires colleges and universities to report campus crime data, support victims of violence, and publicly outline the policies and procedures that promote a safer campus environment. Clery Compliance Awareness Week is Oct. 6-10, and Drexel's Clery Compliance Office encourages all members of the University community to learn more about the law (visit the Drexel Public Safety website for details), campus safety, transparency and the responsibilities we all share.

Remaining compliant with the Clery Act is a serious responsibility. Each violation can result in a fine of $71,545, underscoring the importance of accuracy and diligence in our reporting and procedures. You may have seen the recent community notice from Drexel Public Safety (DPS) about the release of the 2025 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report goes beyond statistics; it outlines Drexel's safety policies, procedures and resources. Whether the incident involves theft or assault, it's essential that the University community knows how to respond, whom to contact and what to expect.

Make Sure You're Receiving DrexelALERTs

Drexel Public Safety encourages all students, faculty and professional staff to confirm or update their mobile numbers in DrexelOne to ensure they are receiving DrexelALERTs which notify the community when something serious happens nearby - such as an ongoing threat or emergency. These alerts are sent via text, Drexel Guardian and email, and they are designed to prompt immediate action.

To confirm your contact information, log in to DrexelOne and click the DrexelAlert link located under the "Safety and Security" section of the "Welcome" tab.

For more information on DrexelAlerts and other types of messages sent from Drexel Public Safety, please review the DPS Notification Guide.

In addition to receiving alerts for your primary campus, you may also opt in to receive DrexelALERTs for other Drexel locations. Visit getrave.com/login/drexel and log in with your Drexel credentials. Select "Opt-in List" and check the boxes for any of the following: Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health, Drexel University Elkins Park and The Eye Institute and Drexel University's Philadelphia campuses.

You can opt out of additional campuses at any time by unchecking the boxes - but you cannot opt out of alerts for your primary campus.

Learn More About Clery Compliance and Drexel Resources

• Drexel University Emergency Numbers
• Clery Act and PA Uniform Crime Reporting
• Safety Tips
• Prevention Programs
• Campus Security Authorities
• DrexelALERT

If you have questions or concerns about Clery statistics or compliance, please email [email protected].

Solidarity With Survivors This Domestic Violence Awareness Month

The survivors of domestic violence need partnership, safety, support and solidarity - that is the theme of this October's Domestic Violence Awareness Month, "With Survivors, Always." Drexel's Office of Civil Rights Compliance is providing the following information to help raise awareness, support survivors, and ensure those in the Drexel community and beyond who are impacted by domestic abuse have access to the resources they need.

Drexel-specific Resources

• For emergencies, call 911 or Drexel Public Safety at 215.895.2222
• Use Drexel Office of Civil Right Compliance's incident reporting form to report prohibited sexual and gender-based harassment and misconduct in any form, including, but not limited to, sexual assault, sexual violence, sexual abuse, stalking, intimate partner violence and any form of nonconsensual sexual conduct
• Drexel Counseling Center: Call 895.1415 during business hours; call 215.416.3337 for after-hour emergencies
• Drexel Victim Services Coordinator, Amy Spiller: Email [email protected] or call 267.542.3569

Local Resources and Hotlines

• The Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 866.723.3014 for crisis intervention, safety planning, and referrals to emergency housing or shelter programs.
• The Philadelphia Sexual Violence Hotline is 215.98.3333, operated by WOAR- Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence for support regarding sexual harassment, assault or abuse. (NOTE: Due to the state budget impasse, WOAR resources, including the hotline, may be suspended until further notice.)
• For those seeking legal protection, individuals can file for a Protection from Abuse (PFA) order at the Domestic Violence Intake Unit on the 8th Floor of Philadelphia Family Court, 1501 Arch St., Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. However, you are strongly encouraged to arrive before noon. For emergency requests after hours and weekends, you can go to the Criminal Justice Center, Room B-03, 1301 Filbert St.; 215.683.7280. For more information about protection from abuse in Philadelphia, review PFA's PDF informational brochure.
• National resources are also available, including the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1.800.799.7233 and the National Teen Dating Violence Hotline at 1.866.331.9474 or by texting "LOVEIS" to 22522.

How to Get Involved, Learn More and Help Spread Awareness

Stop by one of the Civil Rights Compliance' tabling events every Thursday in October from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (and noon to 3 p.m. on Oct. 30) at 33rd and Arch Streets and Lancaster Walk, and/or attend related events throughout the city.

For Community Use: Walking Escorts Informational Flyer

Upon request, Public Safety security officers provide walking escorts for Drexel students, faculty and professional staff. You can request a walking escort by calling 215.895.2222, using a blue-light emergency campus phone, asking a DPS officer on patrol, or using the Drexel Guardian app. To promote this function in the app, Public Safety is providing the community a related PDF informational flyer to post around campus. Please share this flyer in your office suites, classrooms, and/or residence halls.

Thank You to DPS Co-op, Elina Urquhart!

Elina Urquhart '27 spent her spring/summer co-op working with Drexel Public Safety as a communications and technology assistant.

When asked about her overall experience with DPS, Elina recommends this position to future students: "As a student I never put much thought into what Public Safety did on a daily basis or all of the work that goes into running the department. Learning about all the different moving parts and roles has been very interesting."

She added, "This was my first time working in an office environment, so I also got to experience this and learn the different dynamics. I was encouraged to use my own judgement, provide my opinion and was asked many questions which helped develop my professional thinking style."

Thank you, Elina, for the feedback, hard work and dedication you put into this co-op experience.

Community Commitments

Trick-or-Treat With Drexel Fraternities and Sororities Oct. 31

Join Public Safety on Oct. 31 to celebrate Halloween with Fraternity and Sorority Life and participate in some trick-or-treat fun. Stroll down Greek Row, grab some sweet treats and say hello from 5-7 p.m. For more information, email [email protected].

Sign Up for a Fall or Winter SAFE Class

Public Safety's self-protection program, SAFE, aims to give Drexel students, faculty and staff the practical skills, resources and knowledge to increase their personal safety and protect themselves in an unsafe situation. These three-hour classes are offered on specific Tuesdays and Saturdays each month. Due to the hands-on nature of the class, we strongly recommend that you register with a fellow Dragon. Participation in the techniques is recommended but not required. The following courses are scheduled for the fall term; sign up by emailing [email protected]. You can also request a class request a class if you have a larger group that you would like to schedule outside of our monthly class dates.

• Nov. 11, 5-8 p.m.
• Nov. 15, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Dec. 2, 5-8 p.m.
• Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Jan. 6, 5-8 p.m.
• Jan. 10, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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