Alerts
10/10/07
Dear Campus Community,
On Tuesday evening, an unfortunate event occurred involving a University of Michigan-Flint student who was struck by a vehicle while crossing Harrison Street at Kearsley Street. The student is being treated for multiple injuries.
This fall, we are experiencing an increase in the number of students, visitors and community members walking, biking and driving on campus. The recent increase in enrollment, community events and other factors has contributed to this surge in activity. Therefore, it is important for all of us to take a few extra minutes and remind ourselves of precautions we can take to safe guard ourselves and others when driving, biking or walking on campus:
- Never exceed posted speed limits and always come to a complete stop at all STOP signs, keeping in mind that various weather events, e.g. rain, snow, ice, fog, etc. may require slower speeds.
- Utilize cross-walks when crossing streets, obey traffic signals, and take the extra precaution to “double check” oncoming and turning traffic before you cross. MAKE NO ASSUMPTIONS about what the other person should do!
- Drive slowly through parking decks and lots, mindful of pedestrians including small children, bikers and other drivers who may be pulling in and out of spaces.
- Avoid using cell phones when driving or when crossing streets.
In addition, many people use the double entrance ramps to the University Pavilion (UPAV) parking structure as a short-cut to the University Pavilion. Generally, this is done by crossing Harrison Street 50-60 feet north of the traffic light located at Harrison and Kearsley. EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, we would like to urge all University students, faculty, staff, visitors and community members to avoid this practice (short-cut) and utilize the Harrison and Kearsley intersection traffic light, followed by entry into UPAV via the UPAV east alley way door or the southwest Saginaw Street doors. A FEW EXTRA STEPS CAN SAVE A LIFE.
The safety and well-being of all students, faculty, staff and visitors is our #1 priority. Thank you for your help in spreading the word and making this a safer campus for everyone. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contact me at 810-762-3324.
Sincerely,
Bill Webb
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Administration
8/30/07
Dear Campus Community,
The Department of Public Safety has received a number of inquiries regarding the emergency weather procedure that was followed during the tornado warning that was issued for Genesee County on August 29. The concerns are that there was an “over-reaction” to the weather situation, and that it was not necessary to evacuate offices and classrooms for designated emergency shelter areas.
We received official information that an off-duty Flint firefighter reported a funnel cloud in the city at approximately 4:45 p.m. As a result, Genesee County Central Dispatch activated the siren system. At that time, a number of severe storm warnings had been issued, indicating that an approaching storm had the capability of producing 70 mph winds. It is our standard procedure that we evacuate offices and classrooms to emergency shelters whenever a tornado warning is issued for Genesee County. That will continue to be our policy.
Severe weather situations are unpredictable. We will not risk the safety and protection of our campus population during a severe weather emergency or tornado warning. We will take all measures necessary to ensure that people are safe. While I understand the inconvenience the situation created on the first day of classes, I appreciate the cooperation of all faculty, staff and students during the warning. Your assistance in these matters is vital to everyone’s welfare.
Thank you.
Chalmers Sanders
Director of Public Safety
8/29/07
Dear Campus Community,
There was an incident that occurred near campus that we would like to make you aware of for your safety and protection. At approximately 3:00p.m. on August 29, a University of Michigan-Flint student was in the International Institute parking lot when he was approached by a man. The man claimed to be a transfer student from another institution, and was having car trouble and he asked the UM-Flint student for help. In an attempt to help the person the UM-Flint student drove the man to the Holiday Inn Express on Robert T. Longway. Once they arrived at the hotel, the man produced a weapon and robbed the student. The student did not have any physical injuries. The suspect is described as a black male in his early 20s, approximately 5'6 in height, thin, with a dark complexion. He was wearing a long white shirt and a red baseball cap with a New York Yankee insignia. Flint Police were called to the scene and are investigating the incident. The University of Michigan-Flint Department of Public Safety will also assist with the investigation. We encourage all members of our campus community to be aware of their surroundings, and to be careful when approached by strangers. There are some steps you can take if you find yourself in a similar situation. If someone asks for your assistance with car trouble, you can refer them to the Department of Public Safety. You can always reach the Department of Public Safety 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 810.762.3333 or 810.762.3335. Please program these phone numbers into your personal cell phone so you can access them at any time. The Department of Public Safety also maintains a web site with information and tips designed to keep you safe. We urge you to read this information at our web site at www.umflint.edu/safety. Your safety is our top priority at the University of Michigan-Flint. Incidents such as this are aggressively pursued until the suspect is brought to justice. If you have any information regarding this incident or any other incident, please report it immediately to the Department of Public Safety at 810.762.3333 or 810.762.3335.
Thank You,
Chalmers Sanders
Director of Public Safety
The University of Michigan-Flint