Own Your Safety in 2026: Simple Steps for a Strong Start

Public Safety and U - January 2026

December 24, 2025

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Drexel Public Safety (DPS) is kicking off 2026 with a reminder that safety is a shared responsibility, and everyone can do a little more to protect themselves and their communities this January: use a lock to secure your valuables at the gym; equip your phone for emergency use; stay aware of your surroundings during active travel; and prepare for cold weather hazards.

Happy new year from Public Safety to you! Drexel Public Safety could not be more thankful for the community partnerships that helped us end the year strongly, from the annual military family care package drive to making the holidays brighter for local families in need. As we look forward to serving the Drexel community in 2026, our goal is always the same: to keep you safe.

Keep Your Stuff on Lock: How to Safeguard Your Possessions at the Gym

If getting in shape - whether at Drexel's Recreation Center or your local gym - is on your list of New Year's resolutions (or if you're already a dedicated gym-goer), be sure to safeguard your belongings while you're exercising:

• Avoid leaving valuables unattended or unsecured in any area of the gym, even locker rooms.

• Always secure your belongings in a locker using either the locker's built-in lock system, or bringing your own sturdy lock, depending on your gym's locker set-up. Ensure your locker is secured before leaving the area.

• Keep a record of the valuables you've stored in your locker, just in case, and report any suspicious activity immediately to Drexel Public Safety.

• If you're sweating it out at Drexel's Recreation Center, review the facility's locker options and guidelines. In summary:

• Lockers designated for day use are free and available in several areas throughout the Recreation Center and Daskalakis Athletic Center. These lockers are for temporary use, and all belongings must be removed before the center closes for the day.

• Personal locks may be used, but they must be removed from day-use lockers before the center closes for the day. If you do not have a lock, you may purchase one at the Recreation Welcome Center.

• Annual locker rentals are also available for the convenience of keeping your items in the facility for longer periods. Visit the Recreation Welcome Center for assistance with locker rentals.

Is Your Phone Ready for a Safe 2026?

Start 2026 off right by ensuring your phone is ready to assist you in an emergency. Public Safety encourages every member of the community to update their contact information and equip their devices with these resources:

• Emergency Number: Save 215.895.2222 in your contacts as "Drexel Public Safety." This number is operational 24/7 for emergencies, reports or walking escorts.

• Update or confirm your contact info for DrexelALERTs: To receive critical campus alerts (weather delays, crime on campus, etc.), ensure your mobile number is correct in the DrexelALERT system. While all students, faculty and staff are automatically enrolled, you must log in to DrexelOne at the start of each term to confirm or update your contact information. To confirm your info on DrexelOne, select the Welcome tab in the main menu bar, and then select "DrexelALERT" under the "Safety, Security and Support" header.

Download Drexel Guardian: Get the free Drexel Guardian app to turn your phone into a personalized safety device. Features include GPS locating, safety timer and one-touch emergency dialing. You can also use the app to request a walking escort, day or night, as you navigate campus.

Ride and Walk Smart: Tips for Active Travel

As a mostly urban campus community, Dragons are accustomed to getting around by foot, bike or scooter. Staying alert while traversing city roads and sidewalks is critical. As active travelers, always be aware of your surroundings and remember that Pennsylvania laws regarding pedestrians and cyclists may vary from those in other states. Keep these essential tips in mind to navigate campus and the streets of Philadelphia safely:

• Stay on the Path: Always use the sidewalks when they are available. If you encounter construction or other obstacles, follow all posted signage directing you to safe, authorized pathways. If you must walk on a street without a sidewalk, always walk on the side that lets you face oncoming traffic so you can see approaching vehicles.

• Cross Safely: Never assume a driver sees you. Look left, right and left again, and make eye contact with drivers. Wait for vehicles to come to a complete stop before stepping into the road. Always cross at designated crosswalks and obey all "walk" signals to maintain a predictable path.

• Know the Rules: Familiarize yourself with Philadelphia's specific traffic laws for cyclists. The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphiais an excellent resource for understanding the rules of the road and the best places and routes to ride.

• Ride Smart and Always Gear Up: Make use of separated and protected bike lanes whenever possible, especially in high-traffic areas like University City. Always wear a helmet while riding a bike or scooter.

• Be Visible and Alert: Your visibility is essential, especially as daylight hours shorten. Improve your visibility in the dark by wearing bright or reflective clothing or by carrying a flashlight (your smart phone likely has one built in!).

• Minimize Distractions: Walk or ride with confidence, keep your head up and avoid distractions from your cell phone. If you are listening to music, use only one earbud so you can hear sirens or approaching vehicles.

While it's important for pedestrians to stay vigilant, drivers have a key responsibility in keeping both themselves and pedestrians safe while on the road. The National Traffic Safety Administration shares the following safety tips for drivers:

• Slow down. Speeding endangers not only the life of the speeder, but everyone on the road around them, including pedestrians.

• Look out for pedestrians everywhere and minimize blind spots. Learn how to maximize visibility with enhanced mirror settings.

• Exercise extra caution at nighttime or in bad weather, since pedestrians can be harder to see and may appear suddenly.

• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the crosswalk to give other vehicles an opportunity to see the pedestrians so they can stop, too.

• Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.

• Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing where you can't see.

• Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street, in school zones and in neighborhoods where children are present.

• Be extra cautious when backing up and look for pedestrians.

Always Here for You: Use Our Walking Escort Resource

If you are studying late or just don't feel comfortable walking alone, let Public Safety walk with you! Security officers provide walking escorts for students, faculty and professional staff upon request. Our November edition of Public Safety & U provided an in-depth look at this service. Below is a snapshot of where and when this service is available:

• Within Drexel's patrol boundaries (30th to 36th streets and Chestnut to Spring Garden streets): Call 215.895.2222, use a blue-light emergency telephone, or ask any public safety officer on patrol to request a walking escort 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

• In the Mantua neighborhood (Spring Garden Street to Wallace Street between 31st and 40th Streets): Call 215.895.2222 daily from 4 p.m. to 3 a.m. (Note: University City District previously provided this service.)

• On the Center City Campus (Vine Street to JFK Boulevard and 16th Street to Broad Street): Call 267.359.2334, Monday-Friday, from 6-10 p.m.

• University City District (UCD): Daily between 10 a.m. and 3 a.m., UCD Ambassadors provide walking escorts between 30th Street and 42nd Street from Spring Garden Street to Woodland Avenue, and from 42nd Street to 50th Street from Market Street to Woodland Avenue. Call 215.387.3942 to request a UCD walking escort.

Help Public Safety spread the word about walking escorts: Download this PDF of an informational flyer about DPS' walking escort services to post in your office suites, classrooms and/or residence halls.

Freeze! And Check Out These Cold Weather Safety Tips

We've already had our first dose of winter weather here in Philadelphia, and more will be on its way. To keep yourself, your property and your vehicle safe and warm, familiarize yourself with these resources and advice from Philadelphia's Office of Emergency Management:

• Stay Informed: Sign up for text alerts to receive notifications regarding weather, road closures and significant transit disruptions. For campus-specific delays and closings, rely on DrexelALERTs.

• Snow Emergency Rules: When the City declares a Snow Emergency, vehicles on designated emergency routes must be moved immediately to allow plows to clear the roads. Failure to move your car will result in ticketing and towing.

• Protect Your Home: Prevent costly damage by wrapping and insulating pipes in unheated areas like garages. In extremely cold weather, letting your tap water run slowly overnight can help prevent pipes from freezing.

• Winter Driving: Before hitting the road, ensure your vehicle is winter-ready by checking your brakes, battery, fluid levels and tires. Always clear all snow and ice from your car - including the roof and hood - and check that your tailpipe is clear to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. If you must drive during a storm, keep an emergency kit in your car and maintain a following distance from other cars of at least five seconds.

• Dress Smart: Prevent hypothermia and frostbite by dressing in layers. Wear hats, scarves and water-repellent coats. Remember: Mittens are warmer than gloves!

Kickstart the Year with Confidence: Join a SAFE Class

Looking for a New Year's resolution? Sign up for a Self-Awareness for Everyone (SAFE) class. This program aims to give the Drexel community the practical skills, resources, and mindset 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 or in this newsletter. Email [email protected], 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 these monthly class dates. 

• Schedule: We have room for you in our upcoming classes:

• Jan. 10, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Feb. 3, 5-8 p.m.
• Feb. 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, 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