SAFETY AFTER
DARK
Some
Tricks for Traveling More Safely
Remember:
Fall back, Spring forward! On Sunday, October 27, 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. And the professional criminals
gain an extra hour of prime-time darkness in which
to work.
From
the Division of Public Safety, here are some safety tips
for everyone who uses public transportation.
--Thomas
A. Rambo, Chief of Police
--Patricia Brennan, Director of Special Services, Division of Public
Safety
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Public
Transportation Safety Tips
- Become
familiar with the different bus and trolley routes and
their schedules. SEPTA schedules and general information
are now posted on the Web--the URL is www.septa.com or
call (215) 580-7800.
- When
traveling at night it is better to use above-ground transportation
systems. Buses, the above-ground stretches of subway/surface
lines and elevated lines give less cover for criminal activity.
- If
you do 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.
- Don't
fall asleep! Stay Alert!
LUCY
Loop
- Operated
by SEPTA, Monday through Friday except major holidays,
6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- LUCY
Loop departs 30th Street Station every 10 to 20 minutes
and loops through University City.
- For
more information call (215) 580-7800.
Emergency
Phones at Subway Stops
30th & Market
Street--Subway surface SEPTA Emergency Phone located
near the middle of the platform on the wall.
33rd & Market
Street --SEPTA Emergency Phone on both the east and
west platforms on the wall near the middle of the platform.
34th & Market
Street--SEPTA Emergency Phone on the (El) platform
for east- and westbound trains.
Blue
Light Emergency Phone located at 34th & Chestnut outside
of the lot on the northeast corner; also on the Law School's
southwest corner of 34th & Chestnut.
36th & Sansom
Street--SEPTA Emergency Phone on both the east and west
platforms on the wall near the middle of the platform.
37th & Spruce
Street--SEPTA Emergency Phone near the middle of the
westbound platform on the wall and near the middle of the
eastbound platform.
Blue
Light Emergency Phone located across the street at the entrance
to the Quad. In Dietrich Gardens near the eastbound entrance
to the subway. Also, outside on the wall to the entrance
of the Steinberg-Dietrich cafeteria.
40th & Market
Street--El subway stop; SEPTA Emergency Phone located
on the platform on the wall near the cashier.
33rd & South
Street (University Station); SEPTA Emergency Phone located
in middle of platform.
Blue
Light Emergency Phone located at northbound and southbound
stairwells of platform.
Traveling
During Non-Peak Times
- If
possible use above-ground transportation
- If
you use subways, stand near the SEPTA call box.
- If
possible use the Market-Frankford El (elevated lines).
In case of an emergency there is a cashier's booth staffed
during hours of operation.
- If
possible travel with a companion(s).
During
Peak Hours: Watch Out for Pickpockets
Here
are eight things pickpockets don't want you to know:
- Never
display money in a crowd. (Think this through before you
leave the safety of your office, so you aren't fumbling in
public with your purse or wallet).
- Never
wear necklaces, chains or other jewelry in plain view.
- Handbag:
Carry tightly under your arm with the clasp toward your body.
Never let it dangle by the handle. Keep it with you at all
times and always keep it closed. Never place it on a seat
beside you.
- Wallet:
Carry in an inside coat pocket or side trouser pocket.
- Immediately
check your wallet or purse when you are jostled in a crowd.
(And then be doubly watchful, because the jostling may have
been a ploy to get you to reveal where you carry your money).
- If
your pocket is picked, call out immediately to let the operator
and your fellow passengers know there is a pickpocket on
the vehicle.
- Beware
of loud arguments and commotions aboard vehicles or on station
platforms. Many times these incidents are staged to distract
your attention while your pocket is picked.
- If
you suspect pickpockets at work on a particular transit route
or subway station, call SEPTA Police Hotline, (215) 580-4131/4132.
It's answered 24 hours a day. You do not have to give your
name. Trained personnel will take your information and see
to it that something gets done. Also, notify Penn Police
at 511 on campus, or call (215) 573-3333 from off campus.
Halloween
Safety, Too
This
is also a good weekend to pass some Halloween Safety Tips to
any children you know:
--
Trick-or-treat in your neighborhood.
--
Only call on people you know.
--
Never go out alone. Go with friends. Ask your mom or dad,
older sister or brother, or a neighbor to go along.
--
Stay in well-lighted areas.
--
Wear white or reflective clothing.
--
Carry a flashlight, glowstick or reflective bag.
--
Watch out for cars.
--
Have your parents inspect all treats before you eat them.
In
the event of an emergency call:
Philadelphia
Police
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911
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University
of Pennsylvania Police
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(215)
573-3333
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Children's
Hospital of Philadelphia
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(215)
590-3480 |
Philadelphia
Poison Control Center
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(215)
386-2100
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National
Poison Control Center
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1-800-222-1222
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For
additional safety tips, contact the Detective Unit at (215)
898-4485, 4040 Chestnut Street. The department is staffed from
8 a.m. to 3 a.m., Monday through Friday. (Emergency victim
support services and sensitive crimes reporting is available
24 hours at (215) 898-6600).
For
emergencies contact the Penn Police by using the Blue Light
Phones or call 511 on campus, or call (215) 573-3333 from off
campus.
To
contact the Philadelphia Police Department call 911.
Almanac, Vol. 49, No. 9, October 22, 2002
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