Tips from Penn Public Safety	Print Issue
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To University Faculty & Staff:

Beginning on October 28, 2014, all faculty and staff will automatically receive UPennAlerts during weekdays, at night and on weekends on their Penn email account. Those faculty and staff members who have also elected to receive text message alerts will continue to receive them as well.

Faculty and staff members who would prefer to not receive these alerts at night (between the hours of 7 p.m. and 9 a.m.) or on weekends may elect out of this service through their Penn Directory account.

Simply go to the Penn Directory page http://www.upenn.edu/directories/ and select: Manage UPennAlert Info.

The effectiveness of the UPennAlert via personal electronic devices depends upon faculty, staff and students providing accurate and up-to-date personal contact information. We urge you to partner with the University in registering your cell phone number, as well as other emergency contact information, so that University officials can communicate with you wherever you happen to be.

You may also be interested in enrolling in Penn Guardian a free profile service that allows Penn community members to enter information, such as a medical condition, that would be helpful to PennComm dispatchers if you call for assistance. Please visit the DPS website for more information: www.publicsafety.upenn.edu/pennguardian

—Craig Carnaroli, Executive Vice President
—Vincent Price, Provost

Some Tricks for Traveling More Safely

Remember: Fall back, Spring forward! On Sunday, November 2, at 2 a.m., 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. The Division of Public Safety (DPS) wants to remind you of the following tips on how to stay safe during your commute.

Public Transportation Safety Tips

Become familiar with the different bus and trolley routes and their schedules. SEPTA schedules and general information are available by visiting www.septa.com or calling (215) 580-7800.

If you 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.

•     Pay attention to your surroundings.

•     Don’t become complacent while using your cell phone or other devices.

•     Don’t fall asleep! Stay Alert!

•     Never display your money in a crowd.

•     Keep your bag or purse close to you and in view.

Off Peak Travel Tips

•     When using subways, especially during off-peak hours, stand near the SEPTA call box.

•     In case of an emergency there is a cashier’s booth staffed during hours of operation.

•     If possible travel with a companion(s).

•     Request a Walking Escort by calling (215) 573-WALK (9255). The security officer will wait with you until you board the train, bus or trolley.

Emergency Phones at Subway Stops & Blue Light Phones

•     If you observe a potential safety hazard, would like a walking escort or require the Division of Public Safety’s assistance, you can use one of more than 500 blue light emergency phones on campus and in the surrounding community. Just pick up the receiver or press the button. Map of emergency phone locations: http://www.publicsafety.upenn.edu/TEC/blue-light-ephones/

•     SEPTA maintains their own emergency call boxes. Become familiar with where these call boxes are the next time you are waiting for your subway or trolley.

Safety Tips on the Street

•     Do not display your smartphone when walking about. Keep it in your bag or pocket.

•     Avoid using earphones when walking to ensure that you stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

•     Stay in well-lit areas. Walk mid-point between curbs and buildings, away from alleys, entries and bushes. Stay near people.

•     Avoid short cuts through parks, vacant lots and other low-occupancy places.

•     Carry only necessary credit cards and money. Avoid using outdoor ATMs (automated teller machines). Instead, look for banks that require entry into a lobby to use their ATM.

•     If you must carry a purse or handbag, keep it close to your body. This will minimize the chances of theft. If your purse is taken, don’t fight. Turn it over and immediately call 911.

•     Walk with someone whenever possible. Participate in buddy systems.

•     Do not stop to give directions or other information to strangers. Never hitchhike.

•     If you believe you are being followed, call 911. Be alert & confident—making good eye contact may discourage the follower. Cross the street, change directions or vary your pace. If someone follows you in a car, record the license number and call 911 immediately.

•     Have your key out and ready before you reach your car or door.

•     Trust your instincts and use common sense.

Additional Services Available to you on Penn’s Campus

LUCY Loop

LUCY (Loop through University City) is a shuttle operating Monday through Friday, from 6:10 a.m. until 7 p.m., between 30th Street Station and University City. Managed by the University City District and operated by SEPTA, LUCY is a great way to ease your commute. Rides are free for holders of a valid PennCard. Schedule and route information is maintained by the University City District. For more information visit: www.universitycity.org/getting_around/lucy

Walking Escort                                             (215) 898-WALK (9255)
Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, between 30th to 43rd Streets and Market Street to Baltimore Avenue.

Escorts are also available from 10 a.m. until 3 a.m. between 30th & 50th and Spring Garden Street to Woodland Avenue via the University’s partnership with the University District Ambassador Program.

Riding Escort                                                  (215) 898-RIDE (7433)

Penn Transit Services: (215) 898-RIDE (7433) Monday-Sunday, 6 p.m.-3 a.m.; Limited on-call service, 3 a.m.-7 a.m. Business Services’ Penn Transit offers various transportation services that you can use for getting around University City or simply just getting to your car. For more information, visit www.upenn.edu/transportation

Penn Guardian

Penn Guardian is a free and optional service that is available to anyone with a valid Penn ID number and PennKey, using a registered cell phone.

How Penn Guardian Works

Penn Guardian is a service that allows Penn students, staff and faculty to voluntarily provide information about themselves to the Division of Public Safety which may be helpful to know during an emergency, such as a medical condition.

Penn Guardian can also provide police with GPS coordinates from a registered user’s cell phone, which can decrease response time and allow first responders to locate them if they are not able to provide their location.

For more information, and to register, please visit: www.publicsafety.upenn.edu/pennguardian/

Important Numbers

Halloween Safety

This is also a good time for Halloween Safety Tips for the children in your life:

— Encourage them to Trick-or-Treat in familiar neighborhoods.
— Don’t let children Trick-or-Treat alone, go with friends and/or family.
— Make sure they stay in well-lighted areas.
— Costumes should be highly visible-include white or reflective clothing.
— Have them carry a flashlight, glowstick or reflective bag.
— Make sure they watch out for cars.
— Be sure to inspect all treats before they are consumed.