Congratulations to all on another successful semester. On behalf of the Department of Public Safety, I hope you and your family have a happy and safe holiday season. As we prepare for winter break, here are a few things to pass along from Public Safety:
- Most of you have probably seen information sent from Public Safety titled, “Timely Warning.” What exactly are these notifications and how are they different from a Cougar Alert?
- Timely Warning– Narrow focus on Clery crimes. Timely warnings are triggered by crimes that have already occurred but represent an ongoing threat. A Timely Warning is issued for any Clery crime committed in Clery geography that is reported to campus security authorities or a local law enforcement agency and is considered by the institution to represent a serious or continuing threat to students and employees. Warnings are issued as soon as the pertinent information is available.
- Cougar Alert– Wide focus on any significant emergency or dangerous situation (may include Clery crimes). An emergency notification is triggered by an event that is currently occurring on or imminently threatening the campus. Emergency notification procedures are initiated for any significant emergency or dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to the health or safety of students or employees occurring on the campus.
- For those staying on campus over the winter break, this is a friendly reminder that the Department of Public Safety is available 24/7 to provide safety escorts to all students, faculty, and staff. Tonight (12/17) is the last night the Cougar Shuttle will be running for the fall semester. Normal operating hours will resume on Wednesday January 6, 2016. For more resources and safety tips, please click here.
- Holiday breaks are a vulnerable time for the campus. Thieves take advantage of the decline in foot traffic and overall activity. Please do your part in helping Public Safety protect you personal property over the holiday breaks. If you plan on leaving your bike on campus, it is recommended that you secure it in a highly visible, well-lit area. If you live live in a residence hall that has interior bicycle racks (McAlister, Kelly House), it is recommended that you relocate your bike to that location. Students are highly encouraged to take valuables home with them during the winter break. For faculty and staff who utilize offices, please make sure you are securing your office door. If you have valuables such as phones, laptops, tablets, etc. please consider locking them in a desk drawer, or other secure location.
- As winter break is approaching, now is the time to prepare your residence if you are planning on going out of town for the holiday. For those of you residing in the downtown area, particularly students living in off-campus housing, you can contact the Charleston Police Department ((843) 720-2426) if you would like an officer to keep an eye on your residence while you are away. Any faculty, staff, or students living outside the immediate area are encouraged to call their local police department, as most law enforcement agencies offer this service.
- Be social with us! If you have not already, please follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for departmental news, upcoming events, and other important information. If you are having trouble accessing our pages, please make sure you are signed into your social media account.
Crime Prevention Tip:
Do your part in making your home safe during the holiday season. Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home. When setting up a Christmas tree or other holiday display, make sure doors and passageways are clear inside your home. Be sure your Christmas tree is mounted on a sturdy base so children, elderly persons or family pets cannot pull it over on themselves. If you use lights on your Christmas tree ensure the wiring is not damaged or frayed. Frayed or damaged wiring can cause a fire.
As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions, comments, or concerns.
Take Care and Be Safe,
PSO Madeline M. Sloan
Crime Prevention Specialist
Department of Public Safety
Office of the President
89 St. Philip Street
Charleston, SC 29424
(843)953-5609
