The Case Western Reserve University Police Department (those of us that survived the polar vortex) would like to say welcome back to all our students, staff and faculty returning from winter break. Whether you travelled to an exotic location, took your laundry back to your parent’s basement or simply curled up like a bear and caught up on a semester’s worth of missed sleep, hopefully you had a good break and come back rested and recharged.

The spring semester can be all about getting back into routines—this can include safety routines as well. So here are a few reminders about things you probably knew but may have forgotten in the holiday haze.

While the winter solstice passed on Dec. 21, this is still the time of year when it seems to get dark shortly after lunch. Darkness can provide cover to bad guys, so continue to walk with friends, stick to well-lit paths and use services such as shuttles and Safe Ride. If you have suggestions about lighting issues on campus, send us feedback at policecolumn@case.edu or call 216-368-3333 to report burnt-out lights.

Keep an eye on your stuff—don’t leave valuables like electronics or backpacks (which could contain electronics) unattended, especially in public access areas. Keep an eye on your surroundings; don’t bury yourself so deeply in the above mentioned electronics that you are unaware of your surroundings or of oncoming traffic. University Circle didn’t get any less busy while you were gone.
Remember the saying of all things in moderation. January is often a month when we wind up having to take a number of students to the hospital for intoxication issues. While it may look like Siberia outside, that is not a good reason to consume huge amounts of vodka or other spirits.

Remember that you are once again part of the larger CWRU community, and that we need to look out for each other. If you see something out of place, observe suspicious behavior or see one of your fellow community members sinking into a vast snowdrift, call x-3333 or other appropriate campus authority. Let’s have a great semester.

On the Beat is a weekly safety column written by Sergeant Jeffrey Daberko & Officer Mark (The Crossing Guard) Chavis of CWRU PD. Send feedback to this or other columns at policecolumn@case.edu.