From: Megan Koeth Date: July 17, 2025 Subject: The Division of Public Safety Newsletter
Get #SummerReady
Being Summer Ready means taking simple steps now to prepare for extreme heat and stay safe throughout the season. Start by learning to recognize the signs of heat-related illnesses and how to respond—resources from the CDC can help. Remember, fans alone aren’t enough in high heat and humidity; seek out air-conditioned spaces like libraries, museums, or malls to stay cool. Never leave children or pets in hot vehicles, as temperatures can rise by 20 degrees in just 10 minutes. During periods of extreme heat, check in on those without air conditioning, especially if they live alone. You can also reduce heat in your home by using awnings or curtains to block sunlight through windows and limiting oven use to avoid adding extra warmth indoors. For more guidance, visit ready.gov/summer-ready.
Behind the Badge
With Director Patrick Hays
In this week’s Behind the Badge spotlight, we’re getting to know Patrick Hays, the Director of the Public Safety Dispatch Center! From ensuring campus safety to dreaming of Mediterranean travels, Patrick shares what drives his passion for public service and connection — here’s what he had to say:
What do you enjoy most about working at CWRU?
What I enjoy most about working at CWRU is being part of a dedicated team that plays a key role in keeping our campus community safe and supported. Each day brings new challenges that help me grow professionally while giving me the chance to make a real impact. I take pride in working in an environment where public safety and teamwork go hand in hand.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
If I could have any superpower, it would be the ability to instantly understand and communicate in any language. Effective communication is the foundation of safety and teamwork, especially in emergency dispatch, and this power would break down barriers, helping us respond faster and more effectively to everyone’s needs.
What’s your dream vacation destination and what would you love to do there?
My bucket list dream vacation is a journey through the Mediterranean region— exploring the rich history, culture, and cuisine of countries like Italy, Greece, and Spain.
CWRU Safety Town
The Division of Public Safety is excited to host the very first Safety Town on campus this summer! This free, interactive program is specially designed for children ages 5–6, introducing them to important safety topics in a fun and engaging way. Through hands-on activities and playful learning, kids will explore how to stay safe in their daily environment—covering everything from pedestrian and bicycle safety to fire safety, stranger danger, and traffic rules. We’re proud to share that this initiative is supported by a $1,000 Community Enhancement Grant from the Office of Government and Community Relations, helping us bring Safety Town to life and make a lasting impact in our community.
Your safety is our priority, and now it's right at your fingertips! The CWRU Spartan Safe App is a free, easy-to-use mobile app that helps you stay informed and protected on and around campus.
With just a few taps, you can:
Quickly contact police or emergency services
Share your location with friends while walking across campus with the Friend Walk feature
Receive real-time safety alerts and campus updates
Report suspicious activity anonymously
Access emergency procedures, important phone numbers, and support resources instantly
🔽 Download it now from the App Store or Google Play—search “CWRU Spartan Safe” and take control of your campus safety!
Water Safety for Everyone
While water activities can be a highlight of summer, safety should always be a top priority. According the the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of injury death for children ages 1 to 4 in the U.S., making water safety a vital priority for families.
Always keep a close eye on children when they're near water, no matter their swimming ability. Make sure life jackets are worn while boating or playing in open water, and never leave pets unattended around pools, lakes, or rivers. It’s also important to teach children how to swim, understand water safety rules, and the importance of staying within designated swim areas. When possible, encourage the buddy system to ensure no one is ever alone in the water.
Whether you're swimming, paddleboarding, or just relaxing by the shore, being aware of your surroundings and setting clear safety expectations can help protect you, your loved ones, and others in the community. A few extra moments of caution can make all the difference in creating a safe and enjoyable summer experience for everyone.
For more information on how to keep your family and community safe this summer, visit: https://www.poolsafely.gov/
Firework Safety
Fireworks can be exciting, but they also come with serious risks. If consumer fireworks are legal where you live and you choose to use them, it’s important to follow safety guidelines to protect yourself, others, and your property. Never allow young children to handle fireworks, and make sure older children are closely supervised. Avoid using fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol, and always wear protective eyewear. Fireworks should only be used outdoors, away from people, homes, and anything flammable. Never light them in your hand, inside a container, or attempt to relight a dud. Always light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting. Once finished, soak both spent and unused fireworks in water before throwing them away, and keep a bucket of water nearby just in case.
Sparklers may seem harmless, but they burn at around 2,000 degrees—hot enough to melt some metals and are responsible for a significant number of injuries, especially among young children. Instead of sparklers, consider safer alternatives like glow sticks, confetti poppers, or colored streamers. The safest choice? Skip backyard fireworks entirely and enjoy a professional show! Learn more about fireworks safetyhere.
A Message from Our Executive Director
Happy Summer Everyone!
Whether you’re studying, working, or enjoying all that CWRU and Cleveland offer, I hope you take time to relax and recharge. Keeping you safe is our top priority at the Division of Public Safety. If you’re on campus, please help us keep everyone safe by not propping open exterior doors. It may seem small, but it can create serious security risks. If you notice anything unusual or need assistance, don’t hesitate to call our emergency line at 216.368.3333, use a Blue Light phone, or report through the Spartan Safe app, which also provides helpful safety tips and real-time alerts.
Take care of yourselves and one another.
Megan S. Koeth
Locks Work!
Keep valuables and electronics secured and out of site, including in your vehicle. Get a bike lockand steering wheel lock free from the CWRU Police. If you notice something or see something missing, please report it by calling 216.368.3300.
Travel Alert: Federal ID Now Required for All Flights
As of May 7, 2025, the REAL ID Act is officially in effect nationwide. This means that all travelers—including students, faculty, and staff—must present a REAL ID-compliant license or another acceptable form of federal identification to board domestic flights, including those connecting to international destinations.
What does this mean for you?
If you're traveling abroad this summer or later in the year, make sure you have either a REAL ID or a valid passport with you—even for the domestic leg of your trip. Without the proper ID, you won’t be allowed through TSA checkpoints, and your travel plans could be disrupted.
How to know if your ID is compliant:
A REAL ID has a star in the upper right corner. If your current state-issued ID doesn’t have that star, it’s not compliant and will no longer be accepted for air travel.
What you can do:
If you haven’t already, visit your local BMV/DMV to upgrade your license.
Bring documents that prove your identity, social security number, and residency.
Or simply use a valid U.S. passport, which is still accepted for all flights.
For more information and a full list of acceptable documents, visit: www.dhs.gov/real-id
Division Whoa
There are 59 Blue Light emergency poles across campus—and they’re getting a high-tech upgrade! Each pole is being retrofitted with cameras that allow Public Safety to see what’s happening in real time the moment someone places a call. Blue Light phones are a quick and reliable way to get help on campus. Just press the button and help is on the way!
📍 Want to see where they’re located? Check out the Blue Light phone map!
Did You Know?
On the 4th of July alone, Americans consume 150 million hot dogs, enough to stretch from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles more than five times! That’s just a small slice of the 7 billion hot dogs eaten nationwide between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Now that’s a summer tradition!
