Are the winter months making you channel your inner boss? This National Burn Awareness Week (February 6-12), learn how to safely exercise your culinary muscles and avoid burns in the kitchen with tips from the Department of Food and Hospitality Management and the Department of Public Security (DPS). Plus: an explanation of the recent increase in carjackings in Philadelphia, an introduction to Drexel University’s Chief of Emergency Medical Services (Drexel EMS), and a call for donations to help families staying at Ronald McDonald House.

Your burning burn questions answered

The Pennsylvania Department of Health defines a burn as: 1) a thermal injury resulting from exposure to intense heat; 2) injury caused by electric shock or lightning strike; and/or 3) skin damage due to chemical exposure. Drexel Fire and Emergency Services Director David Hollinger says members of the Drexel community most vulnerable to burns are those who work with or are exposed to heating, open flames or electrical hazards or chemicals; for example, students and faculty in the laboratory, anyone who cooks in a commercial or residential setting, and staff working with heat or open flames, chemicals, or electrical currents.

Rosemary Trout, assistant clinical professor in the Department of Food and Hospitality Management, provided DPS with some kitchen precautions to help keep the Dragons safe:

• Bodies and cooking areas must be free of clutter. Put your hair in a cap or pull it back and remove all jewelry, especially dangling bracelets, necklaces, and earrings.
• Keep your work area clear of obstructions so you don’t have to reach for open flames or hot oil.
• If you don’t have access to a culinary uniform, aprons are highly recommended, as they can be easily removed in the event of fire exposure.
• As bakers and baking enthusiasts know, the smell of hot caramelized sugar is decadent, but Professor Trout warns that at temperatures above 300 degrees skin contact can be critical. She suggests keeping a bowl of ice water nearby to treat any immediate burns when handling such ingredients.
• If cooking oil or fat becomes combustible, do not not put water on the flame; cover it immediately and contact emergency services (DPS or 911).

If you are injured by burns on campus, notify Public Safety immediately at 215.895.2222. This call will bring all the necessary internal and external resources to provide you with the help you need.

Personal safety: what you need to know

Number of carjackings increased across the city at an alarming rate. Please see the graphic below for essential information on this issue, including safety tips and the highest risk areas and situations.

Source: @PPDCommish via Twitter

In addition, Public Safety would like to remind the University community of the following precautions for home security:

• Do not forget to lock your door both when leaving and when returning home; make sure secondary locks or deadbolts are in place.
• Do not leave your windows open or unlocked unattended.
• When you go out or come home, be aware of your surroundings. Avoid cell phone use or other distractions when handling keys or locks.

For any emergencies or concerns related to a carjacking, burglary, or home invasion, please call Public Safety at 215.895.2222 if you are on campus, or 911 for off-campus emergencies.

Get to know DPS: Jacob Williamson, Chief Emergency Medical Services Officer and Senior Director of Drexel

Currently in his fifth year at Drexel in Computer Science (BS) and Information Systems (MS), Jacob first earned his EMT certification in New Jersey at the age of 16, as a service volunteer. Hopewell fire station. Throughout his tenure at Drexel EMS, he has served as a compliance manager, CPR course coordinator, lieutenant, and chef. For his cooperatives, he has worked as a software developer in the IT services, financial services and health insurance sectors. His goal after graduation is to find a job in the development of large information systems.

When asked what he likes best about working at Drexel EMS, Jacob said he loves being able to work with so many people on different teams. Each team has a unique workflow, but all share similar goals and missions. The collaboration between teams to achieve concrete objectives, such as the purchase and registration of a new emergency vehicle, proves to be an incredibly stimulating and rewarding experience.

Jake’s favorite place on campus is Drexel Park. It has a great view of the skyline and is a fantastic place for a picnic with friends. In his spare time, he enjoys reading and working on his personal software development projects. Jake’s message to the community is, “Drexel EMS always strives to provide the highest level of care to the Drexel student body and surrounding community. There is no emergency too big or too small for us. If you ever feel you need medical attention, call 215.895.2222.

DPS thanks Jacob and the entire EMS team for their partnership and collaboration!

Community commitments

Healthy hearts for families

DPS is launching its annual “Healthy Hearts for the Families” campaign to help provide some love to all families staying at Ronald McDonald House while their loved ones recover at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Collection boxes will be located at Police Headquarters, 3219 Arch St., and DPS offices at 3201 Arch, Suite 350. Questions about donations can be directed to Linda Moran at [email protected]

Donations will be accepted until February 23 for the following requested healthy items:

• individually wrapped or single-serve salty snacks (popcorn, cookies, trail mix, pita chips)
• single-serving specialty beverages (protein/meal replacements, low-sugar juice boxes, almond milk)
• single or individual cups of cereal
• sugar-free and gluten-free foods
• canned tuna

Warm up with cocoa with cops

Members of the Drexel and DPS community enjoy last month’s Cocoa With Cops.

The next two iterations of Cocoa With Cops, the monthly Drexel Police Cozy Get-Togethers, will take place February 16 from 2-3:30 p.m. and March 9 from 5-6:30 p.m. Stop by the South Corner -east of 33^rd and Arch Streets (near Buckley Field entrance) to say hello!

Be prepared, not afraid, with “Your safety is our goal”

Join the Public Safety team for “Your Safety Is Our Goal,” an engaging community-based situational preparedness training, happening monthly on Zoom. The next sessions are February 17 at 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. You can register for one of these scheduled events. If you have a community or group you would like DPS to present to, or would like to suggest an alternate presentation time, please contact Agent Tom Cirone at [email protected] or Agent Kim McClay at [email protected] drexel.edu. We’ll see each other there!

DUPD is present at the Dragons Basketball Games

Drexel Police will be present at select men’s and women’s basketball games this season near the student section. Please stop by to say hello; they’d love to meet you, offer resources, help you register your property, or answer any other questions!

Important Reminders

We’re here for you when you need us

Please call 215.895.2222 immediately if you are a victim or witness to a crime. The DPS Communications Center is staffed 24/7 to serve you, whether you choose to remain anonymous when making a report. It is essential that crimes are reported promptly to Drexel Police so they can be investigated and Public Safety can connect the victim(s) to the appropriate resources.

Emergency numbers
215.895.2222 or 911
TTY: 215.571.4141

Escorts on foot

215.895.2222
To learn more about Drexel Public Safety, visit drexel.edu/publicsafety.