Proclaiming June 2009 as "Student Safety Month".

The City Council of Philadelphia designates the Month of June 2009 as “Student Safety Month” in Philadelphia and encourages participation in a nationwide initiative to promote safe behavioral practices by students across the country and especially in Philadelphia.

WHEREAS

, Student Safety Month is a nationwide initiative to promote safe behavioral practices by students across the country, created by Carole Copeland Thomas to assist young people in making choices that keep them safe; and

WHEREAS

, Being Safe on Campus is paramount and many college students, especially freshmen, live on campus in dormitories, and need to understand the importance of how to get in contact with campus police or campus safety; and

WHEREAS

, When walking on campus try to stay on well-lit and busy paths as much as possible. Avoid shortcuts and isolated areas; and

WHEREAS

, Avoid walking alone at night, however if you must, let your roommate or dorm neighbor know where you are going and when you should be back; and

WHEREAS

, Beware of your surroundings, notice other people, and trust your instincts and if you feel threatened, cross the street, locate an emergency phone, or enter a place of business, even if you just left it; and

WHEREAS

, If you find yourself confronted by a robber, try to prevent, if possible, any violence. Always assume the robber is armed, even if you can't see a weapon; and

WHEREAS

, Get it over with quickly. Chances are if you stall, the robber will get nervous and may be more prone to violence; and

WHEREAS

, Lock your doors and windows when you are alone, asleep, or every time you leave, an intruder can enter in less than ten seconds; and

WHEREAS

, Do not leave messages on your door indicating you're away and when you will return; and

WHEREAS

, The most important thing is your safety, nothing you have or own is worth getting hurt for. Valuables can be replaced, you can not.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA,

That the Month of June 2009 as “Student Safety Month” in Philadelphia and encourages participation in a nationwide initiative to promote safe behavioral practices by students across the country and especially in Philadelphia.

End