Updates
Public Safety: Buckle Up, Gorge Safety, Late Walks
Buckle Up – Cornell Police will be enforcing zero tolerance for seat belt violations April 20-26. This effort, supported by the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, aims to save lives by increasing seat belt use — so, click it or ticket!
Gorge Safety – Hiking in our beautiful natural environment is a great way to enjoy the warmer weather and get some exercise, but please keep safety in mind. Always exhibit caution and never underestimate the power of the water. Stay on designated pathways, hike with a partner, and be aware of wet trails, loose rocks, and other hazards. Follow posted warnings and stay off closed trails.
Late Walks – In addition to the blue light resources below, Cornell offers virtual support for safe walks across campus. Download the Rave Guardian app to have friends, family, or the Public Safety Communications Center virtually walk with you. It’s like always having an emergency blue light system and a trusted friend with you.
David Honan
Associate Vice President for Public Safety
Public Safety: Telecommunicators Week, Hey Neighbor, No Tailgating
National Telecommunicators Week – This week we celebrate and thank Cornell’s telecommunications personnel who are the first point of contact for those seeking immediate help in times of intense personal crisis or communitywide disasters. The Public Safety Communications Center — available 24/7 — is an integral part of campus safety, connecting you to public safety assistance, resources, and information.
Hey Neighbor! – Being part of a community means helping and looking out for each other. Be considerate of your neighbors by keeping noise to a reasonable level and being respectful of others who may need to rest or study. Considerate, respectful behavior also results in fewer calls to the police!
No Tailgating – I am not referring to gathering at an athletic event, but rather the practice of hurrying through a normally locked door before it shuts on the heels of an authorized person. I know you don’t want to be rude, but please do not let strangers into secure facilities. If someone is supposed to be there, they will have a key or access card.
David Honan
Associate Vice President for Public Safety
Public Safety: Dragon Day, Romance Scams, Lock Up
Enter the Dragon – Don’t miss the 125th annual Dragon Day parade! Cheer on this year’s dragon as it makes its way to the Arts Quad. Expect delays to normal traffic along the parade route from 12:30 p.m. until about 2 p.m.
Romance Scams – It starts with a simple conversation in a dating app or direct message on social media, but it quickly escalates to asking for money or explicit photos. A sure sign of a scam is a new online friend or romantic interest asking for money or payment with gift cards, crypto, or other payment apps. View these FBI resources on how to avoid romance scams.
Lock Up – Thefts on and around campus typically increase around spring break, and this year is no exception. Don’t forget to lock your rooms, homes, offices, and labs before leaving, regardless of how long you will be gone. Keep your valuables out of sight, securely lock your doors and windows, and stay alert for tailgaters!
David Honan
Associate Vice President for Public Safety
Public Safety: CUEMS Anniversary, Ithaca Parking, Burn Ban
CUEMS 50th Anniversary – Please join us in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Cornell University Emergency Medical Service (CUEMS), a student-led first response agency. CUEMS is registered with the New York State Department of Health and serves our campus community by answering more than 600 calls annually. CUEMS holds two membership drives each academic year, at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters, open to all members of the Cornell community.
Ithaca Parking – Street cleaning starts Monday, March 30. If you park on city streets, check your vehicle daily throughout the month and obey “no parking” signs posted on affected blocks. Sign up for Tompkins County SIREN notifications to receive updates on street cleaning and more.
Burn Ban – The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has announced its annual statewide ban prohibiting residential brush burning now through May 14. During this ban, avoid open, uncontained fires of brush, leaves, or trash. On campus, open burning is strictly regulated and requires prior approval and a permit from the University Fire Marshal. Unauthorized fires are always prohibited.
David Honan
Associate Vice President for Public Safety
Public Safety: Spring Forward, Emergency Action Guide, Imposters
Spring Forward! – Remember to turn your clocks forward an hour on Sunday as we move into daylight saving time, and practice good sleeping habits to help yourself adjust. Now is also a great time to check that your smoke alarms are working correctly.
Emergency Action Guide – Prepare yourself with information on what to do in case of an emergency on campus. Learn when a shelter-in-place order may be issued and what to do when there is an active threat to life. The guide is also available on the RAVE Guardian app.
Imposters – It doesn’t take a mask to impersonate someone. Cornell has recently implemented new standards and policies to validate the authenticity of an email’s sender, but it’s important to remain vigilant. Take precautions, and be safe online.
David Honan
Associate Vice President for Public Safety