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Dear Members of the FAS Community,

As the fall semester is now underway, I am writing to remind you about the campus safety and security resources available to you.

Please take a few moments to review the attached FAS Safety & Security Resources Guide, which provides essential contact information, emergency preparedness guidance, and recommended actions for responding to urgent situations. We also encourage you to bookmark the Harvard University Emergency Information page and review the Harvard University Police Department Safety and Security resources for future reference.

Harvard and FAS have established safety protocols to support the many events and activities that take place across campus each year. If you are planning an event and have questions about security arrangements, staffing, access control, or other safety considerations, please contact FAS Security at fas_security@fas.harvard.edu or rob_sabater@fas.harvard.edu

We have implemented a range of enhanced safety and security measures in recent years, such as new Blue Light emergency phones, enhanced lighting in Harvard Yard and cut-resistant screens in first-year residences. You will also notice that HUIDs are now required for access to academic buildings.

In addition, we are in the process of modernizing and adding security cameras across the FAS campus, including upcoming installations in the River and Quad residential areas.  Please visit House Video Camera Public FAQs to learn more.

We also ask all community members to review HUPD’s Active Shooter Safety Guidelines, including the accompanying safety video and guidance on the Run, Hide, Fight protocol. Although these situations are rare, understanding your options and being prepared to act quickly are important personal safety measures on campus and elsewhere.

As HUPD regularly reminds us, campus safety and security are shared responsibilities. Please take the following steps:

 Save the HUPD urgent assistance number in your phone: 617-495-1212

• Review or update your MessageMe profile to ensure you receive emergency alerts by text, phone, and email.
• Familiarize yourself with your building’s street address and identify at least two possible exits.
• Always carry your Harvard ID and never allow an unknown individual to enter a secured building behind you.
• Report suspicious activity or concerning behavior promptly to HUPD.

If an emergency occurs on campus—whether security-related, medical, or otherwise—call HUPD at 617-495-1212 or dial 911. If you call 911, provide the dispatcher with the exact location of the emergency and then notify HUPD.

For non-urgent security questions or assistance, contact the FAS Security Command Center at 617-496-9370 or fas_security@fas.harvard.edu

Thank you very much!

Robert M. Sabater
Associate Director of Safety and Security
Harvard University
FAS Office of Physical Resources and Planning
1414 Mass Ave. / Cambridge, MA 02138
Cell: 617-285-7124