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SAFETY AFTER DARK
Some Tricks for Traveling More Safely
Remember: Fall back, Spring forward! Sunday, October 31, Daylight Saving
Time comes to an end. This means we can all sleep an extra hour Sunday morning
and still have breakfast at the usual time. It also means we lose an hour
of daylight just around the time most of us are heading home from work or
school. And the professional criminals gain an extra hour of prime-time
darkness in which to work.
From the Division of Public Safety, here are some safety tips for everyone
who uses public transportation.
--Maureen Rush, Chief of Police
-- Patricia Brennan, Acting Director of Special Services,
Division of Public Safety
Public Transportation Safety Tips
- Become familiar with the different bus and trolley routes and their
schedules. SEPTA schedules and general information are now posted on the
Web-the URL is www.septa.com/ or call
(215) 580-7800.
- When traveling at night it is better to use above-ground transportation
systems. Buses, the above-ground stretches of subway/surface lines and
elevated lines give less cover for criminal activity.
- If you do travel underground, be aware of the emergency call boxes
on the platform. These phones contact SEPTA Police. The phones operate
much like the University's Blue Light Phones. To operate the SEPTA Phone,
push the button. A SEPTA operator will identify your transit stop and assist
you immediately.
- Whenever possible, try to sit near the driver.
- In the subway station stand back from the platform edge.
- Don't fall asleep! Stay Alert!
LUCY Loop
- Operated by SEPTA, Monday through Friday except major holidays, 6:30
a.m. to 8 p.m.
- LUCY Loop departs 30th Street Station every 10 to 20 minutes and loops
through University City.
- For more information call (215) 580-7800.
Emergency Phones at Subway Stops
30th & Market Street--Subway surface SEPTA Emergency Phone
located near the middle of the platform on the wall.
33rd & Market Street --SEPTA Emergency Phone on both the east
and west platforms on the wall near the middle of the platform.
34th & Market Street--SEPTA Emergency Phone on the (El) platform
for east- and west-bound trains.
- Blue Light Emergency Phone located at 34th & Chestnut outside of
the lot on the northeast corner; also on the Law School's southwest corner
of 34th & Chestnut.
36th & Sansom Street--SEPTA Emergency Phone on both the east
and west platforms on the wall near the middle of the platform.
- Blue Light Emergency Phone located at King's Court/English House on
the northeast wall above the subway entrance.
37th & Spruce Street--SEPTA Emergency Phone near the middle
of the west-bound platform on the wall and near the middle of the east-bound
platform.
- Blue Light Emergency Phone located across the street at the entrance
to the Quad. In Dietrich Gardens near the east-bound entrance to the subway.
Also, outside on the wall to the entrance of the Steinberg-Dietrich cafeteria.
40th & Market Street--El subway stop; SEPTA Emergency Phone
located on the platform on the wall near the cashier.
33rd & South Street (University Station); SEPTA Emergency
Phone located in middle of platform.
- Blue Light Emergency Phone located at north-bound and south- bound
stairwells of platform.
Traveling During Non-Peak Times
- If possible use above-ground transportation
- If you use subways, stand near the SEPTA call box.
- If possible use the Market-Frankford El (elevated lines). In case of
an emergency there is a cashier's booth staffed during hours of operation.
- If possible travel with a companion(s).
During Peak Hours: Watch Out for Pickpockets
Here are eight things pickpockets don't want you to know:
- Never display money in a crowd. (Think this through before you leave
the safety of your office, so you aren't fumbling in public with your purse
or wallet).
- Never wear necklaces, chains or other jewelry in plain view.
- Handbag: Carry tightly under your arm with the clasp toward your body.
Never let it dangle by the handle. Keep it with you at all times and always
keep it closed. Never place it on a seat beside you.
- Wallet: Carry in an inside coat pocket or side trouser pocket.
- Immediately check your wallet or purse when you are jostled in a crowd.
(And then be doubly watchful, because the jostling may have been a ploy
to get you to reveal where you carry your money).
- If your pocket is picked, call out immediately to let the operator
and your fellow passengers know there is a pickpocket on the vehicle.
- Beware of loud arguments and commotions aboard vehicles or on station
platforms. Many times these incidents are staged to distract your attention
while your pocket is picked.
- If you suspect pickpockets at work on a particular transit route or
subway station, call SEPTA Police Hotline, (215) 580-4131/4132. It's answered
24 hours a day. You do not have to give your name. Trained personnel will
take your information and see to it that something gets done. Also, notify
Penn Police at 511, (215) 573-3333.
Halloween Safety, Too
This is also a good weekend to pass some Halloween Safety Tips to any
children you know:
- - Trick-or-treat in your neighborhood.
- - Only call on people you know.
- - Never go out alone. Go with friends. Ask your mom or dad, older sister
or brother, or a neighbor to go along.
- - Stay in well-lighted areas.
- - Wear white or reflective clothing.
- - Carry a flashlight, glowstick or reflective bag.
- - Watch out for cars.
- - Have your parents inspect all treats before you eat them.
In the event of an emergency call:
Philadelphia Police |
911 |
University of Pennsylvania Police |
(215) 573-3333 |
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia |
(215) 590-3480 |
Philadelphia Poison Control Center |
(215) 386-2100 |
For additional safety tips, contact the Detective Unit at (215) 898-4481,
4040 Chestnut Street. The department is staffed from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.,
Monday through Friday. (Emergency victim support services and sensitive
crimes reporting is available 24 hours at 215-898-6600).
For emergencies contact rhe Penn Police by using the Blue Light Phones
or call 511 on campus, or call (215) 573-3333 from off campus.
To contact the Philadelphia Police Department call 911.
Almanac, Vol. 46, No. 9, October 26, 1999
| FRONT
PAGE | CONTENTS
| JOB-OPS
| CRIMESTATS
| TALK ABOUT
TEACHING ARCHIVE | BETWEEN
ISSUES | NOVEMBER at PENN
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