September 03, 2009

Resources Available to Help Campus Community Remain Safe

As Campus Safety Awareness Month continues at Case Western Reserve University, the university community is being reminded that there are many resources and tips available to help students, faculty and staff remain safe as they study, work and socialize.

Case Police and Security Services Chief Art Hardee said safety is a top priority. "We've saturated the campus grounds with officers on foot, bikes, and on T3 scooters. We have 21 police officers and a total of 25 security guards who patrol inside and outside campus buildings." In addition, the University Circle Inc. Police Department has 25 police officers patrolling the University Circle community who assist university police officers.

A special emphasis is being put on safety awareness, programs and tips in September. The campus community has an opportunity to get a variety of safety information in one location during a Campus Safety Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday, September 10, in the Thwing Center atrium.

The fair will showcase programs such as Safe Ride and the campus security escort service, personal alarms, Rape Aggression Defense, CaseEMS and CaseWARN, the university's emergency alert service. In addition, students will be able to register their bikes and receive free U locks. Representatives from campus police and security services, the University Circle Police Department, and more will on hand to share resources and tips with the campus community.

Hardee offered the following advice to students, faculty and staff for remaining safe throughout the year:

  • Call for a ride during late hours. The Safe Ride program, which provides transportation around campus and University Circle, operates from 7 p.m. until 3 a.m. daily. Call 368-3000 to arrange transportation.
  • A campus security escort is available to walk campus community members across campus 24 hours a day. Call 368-3000 to arrange for a walking escort.
  • Sign up for CaseWARN to receive text messages or voice calls about major campus emergencies. Sign up or update your information in WARN during September and register to win a Kindle reader and other prizes.

In addition, people should keep these safety tips in mind:

  • When walking alone, pay attention to what's happening around you. Eliminate distractions such as iPods. "We're trying to encourage people to be more aware of their surroundings," Hardee said.
  • When walking to your vehicle, have your keys ready to enter your car or truck. "Have your keys prepared so you don't have to dig for them in your purse or pockets," Hardee said.
  • Try to walk in groups when possible. If you have to walk alone, call someone and let them know your route. Try to keep that person on the phone until you reach your destination.
  • If you suspect you are being followed, call University Police and Security at 368-3333. If possible, enter the nearest campus building and let someone know what is happening.
  • The Greenie bus service is available to transport until 2:30 a.m. daily. Pick up a copy of the campus bus schedule or check for the next available bus online.
  • Report suspicious activity to University Police and Security at 368-3333.

For more information contact Kimyette Finley, 216.368.0521.

Posted by: Kimyette Finley, September 3, 2009 01:54 PM | News Topics:

Case Western Reserve University is committed to the free exchange of ideas, reasoned debate and intellectual dialogue. Speakers and scholars with a diversity of opinions and perspectives are invited to the campus to provide the community with important points of view, some of which may be deemed controversial. The views and opinions of those invited to speak on the campus do not necessarily reflect the views of the university administration or any other segment of the university community.