Safety Notes
As I indicated in last Friday’s column, the start of each new academic year brings with it more people on campus. The extra activity is great for a vibrant academic community. The numbers of patients we serve is also growing – and this is great news. All of this growth adds more cars in lots and more people on campus. We last did a pedestrian (or foot traffic) survey several years ago. As part of our planning for the construction of a new cancer center facility located across from the main campus near the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, we will have an updated pedestrian, foot and vehicle traffic survey completed soon. Our campus is already bustling and very busy (and often congested) so this updated information will be important for planning.
I want to share a few items related to personal safety, vehicle and pedestrian traffic and parking. For many of you, these are reminders but for some folks this may be new information.
Capitol Police Parking Enforcement
Capitol Police will increase patrols and ticketing in areas across Woodrow Wilson Avenue and near Murrah High School and the APAC school. These zones are NOT part of UMMC’s designated parking and are not patrolled by UMMC Police. They must remain clear to ensure safe and timely bus passage, and vehicles parked in posted areas may be ticketed or towed at the owner's expense. - Stadium Lot
During peak hours, parking is challenging in the stadium lot – but waiting in your vehicle for a space to open, especially in the front rows, creates traffic congestion and safety risks. If no spot is available, please don’t block the flow of traffic. This helps reduce delays and keeps the area safer for pedestrians and drivers alike. Officers will be watching out and may ask you to move if they witness this type of activity. - Use Crosswalks for Safety
For your safety, please use marked crosswalks when crossing roadways on or near campus. With many visitors and new students/trainees unfamiliar with our layout, unexpected pedestrian movement outside crosswalks increases risk. Crossing between parked cars or outside designated areas makes it harder for drivers to see and respond in time. - Stay Alert While Walking
Whether heading to your car or walking between buildings, stay aware of your surroundings. Avoid distractions like looking at your phone or wearing earbuds in both ears. Stick to well-lit areas at night and walk with others when possible. Staying alert helps you avoid hazards and respond quickly to unexpected situations. - Do Not Prop Doors Open
For everyone’s safety, exterior and secure interior doors should never be propped open. Doing so creates easy access for unauthorized individuals and compromises facility security. Even if stepping away briefly, ensure doors close and latch behind you. This simple action helps prevent theft, intrusion and other safety incidents. Also, be aware when going through any building entrance that unauthorized people don’t try to get in behind you. - Alert U
If you have not already signed up for timely Alert U emergency notifications through the smartphone Everbridge app, I encourage you to do that now. Critical information like safety alerts related to weather or security is sent as a notification to your phone. Also, the app has personal safety features, including a panic button that connects directly to UMMC Police.
We have a very well-trained and very dedicated police department daily trying to keep us safe. But sometimes our attempts to hurry can create risks. We have made a number of upgrades in lighting and police presence to create the safest environment we can. We are always looking to improve (send in your suggestions to the VC Notes inbox!) The safer you feel, the more effective you’ll be at helping us reach A Healthier Mississippi.
