Week aims at fires, thefts and STDs

By Stephanie Mostaccio

Safety was an important topic on campus this week.

The University promoted student safety as it celebrated Safety Week, which began on Monday, Oct. 24, and ended today.

“We encourage everyone to be aware of safety tips throughout the year,” Vickie Weaver, the director of the Department of Public Safety, said. “But Safety Week gives us the chance to promote the most current safety equipment.”

According to Weaver, Safety Week provides an opportunity to educate the community about various aspects of safety, including fire safety, crime prevention, alcohol awareness and health education.

The Office of Campus Activities, Residence Life and the group PHOCUS (Peer Health On Campus Unites Students) sponsored activities throughout the week to encourage safety.
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 24, three graduate assistants for the Office of Campus Life, Katie Guerrierie, Stacey Nast and Melissa Vidam, provided sex safety tips at their information table in Daly’s Dining Hall.

Statistics about teen pregnancy, AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) with condoms attached to them were handed out. Instructions about how to use a condom were also distributed.

Guerrierie said this information table benefited the students, especially the freshmen.

“Some freshmen don’t have cars and can’t go buy condoms,” she said.

Quizzes on sex education were also offered at the table.

Nast said this activity was very effective since it occurred in Daly’s and Vidam added that it was a proactive event.

On Tuesday, Oct. 25, at 7 p.m., a program known as Operation I.D. was held in the Kroner Residence Hall basement. The event was intended for students who wanted to have their personal items ID’d to prevent them from being lost.

According to Weaver, Operation I.D. is a 20-year-old program that has been very successful. No engraved item has ever been lost since the program’s arrival, she said.

A self-defense program also occurred in the Kroner Residence Hall basement at 7 p.m. onTuesday, but received a mostly poor turnout.

“It is important to talk about maximizing awareness and minimizing the chance of becoming a victim,” Weaver said.

On Thursday, Oct. 27, there was an information table set up outside the Rider pub from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., where advice was provided about drinking responsibly.

Safety Week allowed the school to showcase its dedication to safety, according to Weaver.
“It is a week to promote the various educational programs and services we offer that relate to safety,” she said.

However, Weaver added that Safety Week is not the only time the University concentrates on safety.

“We have a commitment where we focus on safety everyday,” she said.