Knowing how to stay safe on campus as a student is non-negotiable. While the Syracuse University campus is generally very safe for its students, knowing what to do in a situation where you might feel uncomfortable or unsafe while on campus is crucial. Here are some ways you can ensure you are always safe and protected while on campus!
Know How to Contact DPS
In an emergency, you could very well forget the majority of the information in this article. In the event you do forget, the most important thing to try and remember is how to contact the Department of Public Safety (DPS). Of course, you can always call 911, and the dispatcher can connect you with the necessary emergency services. However, knowing how to contact DPS directly can speed up the process of getting you connected with the help you need.
You can contact DPS 24/7 at 315.443.2224 throughout the year. (This number can also be found on the back of your Syracuse University I.D.!). You can also contact DPS by dialing 711 on any campus landline, calling #78 on your cell phone or by using the Orange Safe app.
Download the Orange Safe Mobile App
The Orange Safe app is your one-stop shop for all things safety on campus. To begin with, you can contact DPS or call 911 with the press of a button. There is also a safety feature called Mobile BlueLight. When you press this button anywhere on campus, you will call and have your real-time location sent to the DPS Emergency Communications Center (ECC). They can then talk to you on the phone and get you connected with the help you need.
In terms of safety precautions, Orange Safe has a feature entitled Safe Walk. You can send your friend your location via a link, which allows that friend to follow your location and make sure you get to your destination. In the event that you go off track, they are able to notify emergency services. Once you no longer want to share your location with them, you can disconnect your location with them in the app.
Get comfortable with the layout of the app and explore all its features to ensure you know how to use it in the event of an emergency!
Familiarize Yourself With the Blue Light System
The Blue Light System is a series of alarm emergency systems that can be used to contact DPS. There are over 25 Blue Light Alarms on campus and additional systems in the areas surrounding campus. The systems are tall, skinny and square black poles which have a blue light shining through the top. Attached to the system is an alarm button that you can press to alert DPS and connect you with a dispatcher. Familiarizing yourself with the locations of these systems and which ones are closest to you and your dorm or apartment is an important part of ensuring your safety in the event of an emergency. The DPS website has a map of all the Blue Light Systems both on and off campus.
Request a Safety Escort When Needed
Getting home safely is an important part of ensuring your safety. In the Orange Safe app, you can request a safety escort be sent to your location via the “Getting Around SU” button. It’s important to note that either your pick-up or drop-off location must be an open University-owned property to utilize this safety feature. During busy times, safety escorts may have longer wait times. Safety escorts are available from 8 p.m.-6 a.m. during the academic year. If you need transportation outside of this time frame, it’s recommended that you utilize the ’Cuse Trolley system instead.
Staying safe on campus can be easier if you familiarize yourself with the number of resources available to you here. Don’t wait to make yourself aware of safety resources when you’re already in a dangerous situation! Make sure to be prepared and knowledgeable ahead of time—you never know when an incident may occur. Stay safe, Syracuse!
Written By Mirren Grimason ’29, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs