MSOE Public Safety

Stop by the Public Safety table during Freshman Move-In! Learn about thr Department, meet Lt. Bozecivich and me (plus Officer Blue and Prestsan thr CPR Dummy), get some candy, and enter our basket giveaway!!!

-Sgt. Schmitt

Ready or not, it's nearly time to begin the 2024/2025 Academic Year!

Public Safety wanted to take a moment to remind you of a few key items regarding parking. The most important being that you do not have a parking space in Viets Field (or Water Street when we inevitably run out of spots in the VPC) until you're turned in your parking application and have received a 2024/2025 Student Parking Permit.

To enter and exit the VPC you'll need to scan your ID at the kiosk. Scan your ID at the bottom right hand corner, which I have surrounded with a white box. The kiosk will not read your ID, thus it will not open the gate, if you scan anywhere else. If you need assistance, press the "Call for Help" button on the bottom right corner of the display. This has been circled in red.

Once you're in the VPC, remember that it is all one way traffic in the garage. Patrons should not be driving against the traffic pattern. This is for the safety of everyone in the garage. Failure to adhere to the traffic pattern may result in a loss of parking privileges.

There are three levels of parking at the VPC; Broadway level, Market Street level, and Lower Level. Commuters, I highly recommend you skip the Broadway level entirely, and maybe even the Market Street level. Residents will more than likely already be using these spaces. Parking is always plentiful in the Lower Level.

-Sgt. Schmitt

What should you do incase of a fire, gas leak, medical emergency, etc? Don't fret, because the Public Safety has installed the Emergency Procedures Guide in every classroom, lab, and conference area.

Simply scan the QR code, or go to msoe.edu/emergency-procedures to see what you should do incase of an emergency. This has replaced the spiralbound books that you may (or may not) have seen in doorways.

The Public Safety Department highly encourages you to scan the code, or checkout the site, as soon as possible. Knowing is half the battle. Don't wait for an emergency situation to arise to study the procedures guide.

-Sgt. Schmitt

We're only a few weeks out from the beginning of the 2024/2025 Academic Year. Have you gotten your parking permit yet? If you haven't then don't waste another second!

https://www.msoe.edu/campus-experience/student-support-services/campus-safety/student-parking-permit-application/

Use the above link, or Google "MSOE Parking Permit" to fill out your application. Remember, I need student information only. Mom and Dad may be the legal owners of the vehicle, but on campus we recognize you as the owner.

Remember, you finalize the process you must PRINT your completed application and bring it to the Public Safety Department. We will exchange your application for your permit, and parking policy.

If you have any questions please stop into the Public Safety office, call 414-277-7169, or email me at [email protected].

-Sgt. Schmitt

Join MSOE SWE and Public Safety tonight at the Grohmann Tower for "Be Your Own Bodyguard"

Oh, the fun we will have!

Learn to defend yourself with simple self-defense techniques! Witness first hand how RAVE Guardian, especially the "Safe Walk" feature work! Get acquainted with pepper spray and kubotans! Plus so much more!

We'll be joined by the owner Brother's Bar to discuss bar safety, as well as friends of our from Milwaukee Police Department and the FBI!

Come on out, hang with us, learn how to keep yourself safe, and walk out with tons of free goodes!

-Sgt. Schmitt

Be sure to take advantage of the free shuttle service provided by the Public Safety Department.

Shuttle hours are 2PM-10:30PM (the shuttle will activate earlier if a wind chill advisory is in effect) Monday through Friday.

Call 414-277-7464 to request your pick up. Please note, the shuttle does not take reservations. You must call and request your pick up when you're ready to depart. The driver will be provide you with an ETA.

Shuttle boundaries are as follows:
East Ogden Street to the north.
North Marshall Street to the east.
North Water Street to the west.
East Wisconsin Avenue to the south.

Your shuttle ride must either begin or end at an MSOE building.
Example: Viets Tower to the CC Building 👍
Viets Tower to Metro Market 👍
Metro Market to Noodles & Company 👎

-Sgt. Schmitt

Today, from 12PM-1PM in DH 229, Public Safety will be holding another hands-on ALICE training. In this training we'll discuss, and practice, your options in the event of an active shooter on campus.

-Sgt. Schmitt

Today concludes the final day of Fire Prevention Week.

Fun Fact: The Great Chicago Fire began at the O'Leary's family barn, located at 558 West De Koven Street. In 1956 the Robert J. Quinn Fire Academy was built on the very spot where their farm had been located.

When you carve your Jack-O'-Lantern this year, remember to use an electronic candle, or glow stick, to light it.

Open flames of any kind, including candles, are not permitted within the residence halls. According to the US Fire Administration, despite candles being banned by most University's, 20% of dorm fires are caused by candles.

If you live off campus and cannot resist using a real candle to light your Jack-O'-Lantern, please remember to keep it at least twelve inches away from anything that can burn. Play it safe and use a long fireplace match, or a utility lighter to ignite your candle. Above all, keep an eye on your Jack-O'-Lantern as the candle burns. Make sure to extinguish the flame before you leave, or go to sleep.

-Sgt. Schmitt

It's not something we like to think about, but unfortunately it's the world we live in right now. What options do you have if there's a gunman on campus? Let's get together and make a plan.

Trainings will take place from 12PM-1PM. Dates and locations are as follows:
Tuesday, 10/17 in DH229
Tuesday, 10/24 in L305
Tuesday, 10/31 in R301

I can guarantee, it will be the most important discussion you have all day. If you cannot find the time to come, please do us a huge favor and share this post.
-Sgt. Schmitt

According to the US Fire Administration, approximately 400 people die per year as a result of electrical fires. The National Fire Protection Association has gone on to say that there are approximately 4,000 fires in campus housing across the US.

What can you do to prevent this? Lots of things. For starters, do not overload your outlet or power strip, and never plug multiple power strips into one another. Make sure to unplug your curling irons, hair dryers, and other appliances when not in use. Refrain from placing carpets, rugs, or furniture over cords, and never use extension cords permanently.

-Sgt. Schmitt

MLH and VT residence are prohibited from having, and using, hot plates, crock pots, toaster ovens, grills, etc while on campus. The reason is simple; cooking is the #1 cause of fires in residential areas.

Students are encouraged to use the kitchen in the basement of VT, or the 12th floor of MLH.

-Sgt. Schmitt

Stop by CC44 today at 12PM for hands-on active shooter training. Build a barricade, fight back against an attacker, and create an escape route.

According to the FBI there were 50 active shooter events in the US during 2022. Four of which took place in a school setting. The shooters, they want you feeling afraid and hopeless. You don't need to feel that way. You've got options, and the purpose of this training is to highlight those options and get you thinking about a plan.

If you cannot join us today, we'll be meeting again on/at:
Tuesday, October 17 in DH229
Tuesday, October 24 in L305
Tuesday, October 31 in R301.
Please, try to allot yourself time to participate in this important training. You'll be doing yourself a massive service.

I hope you see you there. If you want to help us out, share this post and let your friends know.

-Sgt. Schmitt

What would you do in the event of an active shooter on campus? Have you ever given the topic any thought? Join Sgt. Schmitt for some hands-on training for what you can do if the unthinkable happens at MSOE. You'll be given a chance to construct a barricade, fight back against an attacker, and create your own escape route.

All trainings are safe and under the supervision of an ALICE certified instructor. There will be no projectiles used, or sounds/imagines to simulate an attack.

Trainings will take place from 12PM-1PM. Dates and locations are as follows:
Tuesday, 10/10 in CC44
Tuesday, 10/17 in DH229
Tuesday, 10/24 in L305
Tuesday, 10/31 in R301

I can guarantee, it will be the most important discussion you have all day. If you cannot find the time to come, please do us a huge favor and share this post.

-Sgt. Schmitt

Did you know that approximately 5% of fires are caused by ci******es, or e-ci******es? According to the US Fire Administration, ci******es caused approximately 7,800 residential fires in 2021.

There are plenty of small steps we can take to prevent these fires from occurring in your home, or on campus.

#1. Smoke outside. When you're finished, refrain from disposing of your cigarette in mulch, grass, or planters.
#2. Use a proper ash tray. You'll want want something deep, with wide lips. Ci******es and ashes can easily roll off, or blow out, of something small.
#3. Don't leave ci******es or pipes unattended.
#4. Don't smoke in bed, or while sitting on a couch. Especially if you're feeling tired or drowsy.
#5. Be sure to charge your e-cigarette with it's proper charger. Using the wrong charger can cause the lithium battery to explode.

Of the 7,800 residential fires, approximately 25% of them occurred during or after a party. Alcohol is not only flammable, but as we all know, it tends to make people sloppy and careless.

-Sgt. Schmitt

On October 8, 1871, the Great Chicago Fire devastated the city's southwest side. The fire raged for an entire dat and stretched across four miles of the city. When all was said and done, 300 residents had perished, 90,000 more were homeless, 17,000 buildings had been destroyed, and $200 million (over $4 billion today) worth of damages had occurred.

The Great Chicago Fire has since changed the way buildings are constructed.

In 1922 the National Fire Protection Association, to commemorate the fifty-first anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, began Fire Prevention Week.

There are over 600 fire extinguishers on campus. Our very own USO Orlowski does an incredible job each month checking every single extinguisher to ensure it is in proper working order in the event of an emergency.

Remember, although the extinguishers are there for anyone to use, your safety should be the #1 priority. Fire extinguishers are useful for small fires - ones confined to a single area like a trash can. It only takes a matter of seconds for the fire to triple in size and potentially grow out of control. When in doubt, leave the area and activate the fire alarm.

If the fire is small enough for an extinguisher remember to stand six-to-eight feet away and use the PASS method.
Pull the pin.
Aim at the base of the fire.
Squeeze the lever.
Sweep the nozzle from side to side.

Be sure to call Public Safety at 414-277-7159 to report if a fire extinguisher has been used. We'll need to document in the incident, check the area, and of course, replace the spent extinguisher.

-Sgt. Schmitt

It is a new month, and a new opportunity to meet another Public Safety Officer. Get to know Sergeant Trevor Schmitt, and if you see him on campus, stop for a quick chat.

Evacuation assembly areas, why are they important? Well, there are a couple of reasons.

#1. People tend to evacuate the building, but then stop right at the front doors. This is not good, since it makes entering/exiting difficult for those behind you, and first responders.
#2. If people don't stop outside of the front doors, they'll still hang around close to the building. If there truly is a fire you'll want to be a safe distance away from the building.
#3. By having an assembly area, University officials (Public Safety Officers, Housing Staff, Professors, etc) can account for their people. This information would then get passed on to the Milwaukee Fire Department when they arrive.

Please take a moment to think, if you wander off and choose not to report to Starbucks or Ian's instead of your assembly area, and your RA/Professor/whoever says you are unaccounted for, firefighters will need to spend precious time searching a dangerous area for you.

Each building has it's own evacuation assembly area. The evacuation maps found within the building outline exactly where to go. Here are a few:

CC Building evacuates to the University Terrace.
Viets Tower/Regents evacuates to the Dierck's Hall patio
MLH evacuates to the east side of East Juneau Avenue, between Broadway and Milwaukee.
Grohmann Tower evacuates to the Water Street lot.
Science/Library evacuates to the Werwath Mall.

-Sgt. Schmitt

Familiarize yourself with the class of extinguishers at your disposal. If you use a Class A extinguisher on a grease or electrical fire, you're absolutely going to make the problem worse.

On our campus you'll primarily see ABC class extinguishers, with a handful of K class extinguishers in the dining commons.

-Sgt. Schmitt

Hey, what are you doing a half hour from now? Why not join Sgt. Schmitt in CC103 from 12PM-1PM and learn about what you can do in the event of an active shooter situation on campus? We guarantee it'll be the most important discussion you have all day.

The fire alarm. It's loud. It's obnoxious. It goes off at the WORST time. It's just a drill...right?

When the fire alarm goes off you should never assume it is just a drill. The horns and strobes activate when either a pull station is triggered or the system detects smoke or an open flame.

Regardless of the weather, time of day, or activity you're engaged in, everyone is required to evacuate the building and report to the building's evacuation assembly area, when the fire alarm goes off.

The Public Safety Department, in accordance with the Department of Education, plans and announces fire drills days, if not weeks, in advance.

-Sgt. Schmitt

Join Sgt. Schmitt this afternoon from 12P-1PM in CC103 (the Welcome Center auditorium) to discuss ALICE and what you can do in the event of an active shooter on campus.

Have you taken a moment to look at the evacuation maps? You'll find one in every classroom, and several in each hallway and common space on campus. Identify two or three spots you spend your time at, and familiarize yourself with the evacuation map for that area.

Not only will learn the quickest route(s) for an evacuation, but you'll also see the location of surrounding extinguishers, fire alarms, and AED units.

-Sgt. Schmitt

At 12:00 PM the Public Safety Department will be testing the RAVE Mobile Alert system.

All MSOE students, faculty, and staff will receive an email. Those that have opted-in and provided their phone number will receive an automated call and text message.

Please DO NOT reply to the message, or call Public Safety. This is only a test. In the event of an actual emergency it is crucial that we keep our phone lines clear to communicate with emergency services.

-Sgt. Schmitt

Let us help you get to know the Officers working in the Public Safety Department. This month, meet Lt. Russell Bozicevich. If you see Russ while out and about on campus, stop and say hello!

Come back next month to meet another Officer.

Make sure to lock your vehicle and either hide valuables, or take them with you. "Car Hopping" is a fast, easy, and low risk way from criminals to steal.

Please share this message with your friends, neighbors, and classmates.

-Sgt. Schmitt

Remember to update your RAVE Mobile Safety profile. In the event of an emergency the Public Safety Department will send out a RAVE alert advising you of the situation, where it's taking place, and what you need to do.

All MSOE students/faculty/staff have their emails pre-loaded into the system. We encourage everyone to visit www.getrave.com/login/msoe and opt-in to receive the text message and phone call. Students, you may add your parents to your account as well.

This is a free service, and we will not bother you with RAVE alerts throughout the year. We issue ONE test message, which will take place on Tuesday, September 5th at 12:00 PM. After the single test alert, anything we send is the real deal.

Please do not call Public Safety regarding the RAVE alert. In the event of an actual emergency we will need the phone lines clear so our Officers may communicate with emergency services. Again, please do not call Public Safety regarding the RAVE alert.

-Sgt. Schmitt

Attention Kia and Hyundai owners, speak to Public Safety and join THE CLUB now!

Kia and Hyundai vehicles are being targeted and stolen in the city of Milwaukee. To help combat this problem and keep your vehicle safe, the Public Safety Department will be providing FREE steering wheel locks to Kia and Hyundai owners.

We have never lost a vehicle on campus that had been secured (properly) with a steering wheel lock.

Protect your vehicle and pick up your free steering wheel lock today.

-Sgt. Schmitt