February 13, 2026

Tax Fraud – Be wary of phone calls or emails claiming to be from the IRS, especially those demanding immediate payment or requesting your personal information. The IRS doesn’t work like that, but scammers do.

Mental Floss – Safe habits also include taking care of your mental wellness. Exercise your brain, get outside for some fresh air, or consider meditating. For more helpful resources on maintaining a healthy mindset, check out Cornell’s Mental Health website.

Winter Running – Please obey the rules for crossing the road, even if you’re jogging. I’m impressed with the serious winter runners and pleased to see many people taking time to be active in this weather, but please pay attention to your surroundings when running along or across roadways. Drivers and bikers, please continue to observe the rules and share the road.

David Honan
Associate Vice President for Public Safety

February 6, 2026

Be a Good Sam – Under Cornell’s Good Samaritan Protocol and New York’s Good Samaritan Law, those who call for help — and those who receive help — in an alcohol- or drug-related emergency are protected from judicial consequences. These protocols apply to individuals and organizations on campus. We urge you to avoid drinking to excess and to call 911 if you notice someone who needs assistance.

Thin Ice – Do not go on iced-over water, especially during periods of inconsistent temperatures. Ice can be dangerously thin even if it appears to be sturdy and safe. Hike, snowshoe, sled, and ski to your heart’s content, but do so responsibly: Stay on trails, obey all posted signs, and call 911 at the first sign of trouble.

Mini Fridge Recall – From the University Fire Marshal’s Office: A Canadian appliance distributor has expanded a recall of Frigidaire-branded mini fridges in the United States, now affecting nearly one million units, amid multiple reports of fires. If you own one of these mini fridge models, stop using it immediately and review the recall for more information.

David Honan
Associate Vice President for Public Safety

January 30, 2026

CornellALERT Test – Cornell will conduct a test of the campus emergency notification system on Wednesday, Feb. 4, at 12:10 p.m. The test includes notifications sent through voice and text messages, email, campus sirens, and other platforms.

CornellALERT messages are emergency notifications sent to the Cornell community any time there is an imminent threat to the health or safety of the community. This could include a tornado or other inclement weather, an active threat, or a change in the university’s operating status. Cornell community members receive CornellALERT emergency messages via email and the mobile phone number listed in their Cornell personal contact information — register or update your mobile phone number to ensure timely emergency notifications. I also encourage you to download RAVE Guardian, a free mobile app that turns your smartphone into a personal safety device.

The CornellALERT system is tested each semester to ensure it works reliably and so our campus community is familiar with the sounds, messages, and channels used during real emergencies.

Crime Alerts – Cornell Police, in compliance with the Clery Act, provide timely warnings when we learn of a serious or continuing threat on or near campus. These notifications provide information on how to protect yourself against a specific recent or ongoing threatening circumstance. Crime alerts are sent to all faculty, staff, and students in the campus community via email and other channels with additional information posted to the emergency, CUInfo and Division of Public Safety websites.

David Honan
Associate Vice President for Public Safety

January 23, 2026

We’re Back – Welcome back, faculty, staff, and students of all levels. To help you get off to a safe and productive start this semester, I would like to remind you of my weekly Public Safety message, which always includes resources offered by the Public Safety division to support your safety, security, health, and well-being both on and off campus. I try to keep these messages short and encourage you to play an active role in your own safety. Review our annual security report for related policies and information and this week’s emergency preparedness message for updates and additional resources.

This week, make sure you’re prepared for winter weather — snow and cold temperatures are on their way to Ithaca in the coming days. Stay tuned to updates from the National Weather Service, dress warmly, and stay safe.

Again, welcome back! I hope your break went well and you’re excited for the start of the spring semester.

David Honan
Associate Vice President for Public Safety