As September and National Preparedness Month comes to a close, The Daily teamed up with the Division of Public Safety to review some tips and resources that can help members of the Case Western Reserve University community be prepared and stay safe on campus throughout the year.
“While we can’t always predict when or what type of emergency will happen, we can all take steps to make sure we’re as prepared as possible in the event something does happen,” said Executive Director of Public Safety Megan Koeth. “Whether it’s making sure you stay informed, taking time to make a plan, or utilizing available training and resources, even small preparations can make a big difference in emergencies.”
The Division of Public Safety’s website provides many preparedness tips and resources, but here are five things you can do today to stay safe and prepared on campus.
1. Download the Spartan Safe mobile app
Earlier this year, the university launched Spartan Safe—the new mobile app for safety tools and resources for the CWRU campus community. By downloading Spartan Safe and registering your CWRU email address, CWRU Police will only be a few taps away. In addition to real-time emergency communication, campus maps and support resources, Spartan Safe users can create profiles with as much personal information as desired—contact information, medical conditions, emergency contacts and more—allowing officers to respond quickly and precisely when you need assistance.
Learn more about Spartan Safe features on the public safety website, and download the app from the iPhone App Store or Google Play.
2. Review emergency plans
Whether severe weather, suspicious packages, pandemics or power outages, there are a variety of disasters for which it is worth being prepared. While it may seem overwhelming, even taking a few minutes to review the university’s emergency plans—and finalizing your own—can make a difference.
The university provides disaster plans both online and within the Spartan Safe app, and the campus community is encouraged to review the various emergency plans and download the PDFs for future use.
While familiarizing yourself with the university’s plans is a great start, you’re also encouraged to tailor your plans and supplies to your specific daily living needs and responsibilities, and discuss plans with your roommates and/or family.
Get more tips for making a safety plan.
3. Download Spartan Ride
Whether you’re heading to class, on your way back from studying or making a trip to the grocery store, it’s important to have a way to get around campus quickly and safely. Launched this summer, CWRU’s Spartan Ride mobile app combines on-demand after-hours Safe Ride services and shuttle schedules into one mobile app, allowing riders to find the most convenient routes to their destination.
The app also incorporates a new dedicated loop to and from Dave’s Market daily from 6 to 9 p.m. Riders are able to use this service to shuttle from the Spartan Ride service area to Dave’s Market and back, providing lower wait times for other riders and support for those who need to transport groceries.
Download “CWRU Spartan Ride” from the iPhone App Store or Google Play.
4. Explore CWRU Safety Programs
Public Safety provides opportunities for members of the campus community to learn ways to stay safe and be prepared for a variety of situations that could arise on campus.
Active Aggressor Response (ALICE)
Presented by CWRU police officers who are certified ALICE instructors, this training gives attendees an in-depth look into an active-shooter and aggressor situation, while learning tactical advantages during an armed-intruder incident.
Crime Prevention & Safety Presentations
Looking for an introduction and overview to staying safe on campus, along with the resources that are available to the CWRU community? Schedule a safety representation with a crime prevention officer.
Self-Defense (RAD)
This program empowers faculty and staff members, students and postdocs that identify as female to combat various types of assaults through realistic self-defense tactics and techniques. This empowerment is taught through four basic principles: prevention, risk reduction and avoidance, while progressing on to basic hands-on defense training.
Learn more about CWRU’s safety programs on the public safety website.
5. Sign up for Spartan Alerts
In certain situations, Public Safety may determine that the campus community needs to take immediate action to remain safe—that’s when a Spartan Alert is issued. Such instances could include an active shooter, severe weather event or criminal activity that may impact campus. Although you are automatically opted in with email and desk phone as a CWRU faculty or staff member or student, you must add your mobile phone number to receive text message notifications.
To make sure you’re receiving these notifications on your mobile phones:
- Go to getrave.com.
- Login with your CWRU credentials.
- Manage your settings and add additional contact information.
Even though the month is coming to a close, keep up to date with preparedness recommendations or connect with other resources year round at ready.gov.