USC named "Safe Community"

Representatives from the National Security Council and the Canadian branch of the World Health Organization (WHO) announced today that USC will be officially recognized as a “Safe Community," making it the first university in the world to hold this title. 

Paul Kells, the founder of Safe Communities Canada, and USC President C.L. Max Nikias spoke in front of Tommy Trojan this morning.  The speakers were accompanied by performances from the Spirit of Troy Marching Band.  A safety fair, complete with Fire Trucks and LAPD officers, was also held on Trousdale Parkway this morning to spread awareness about health services, fire safety, and earthquake preparedness.

The USC Risk Control Task Force, comprised of administrators, staff, faculty, and students, claims to take a holistic approach towards the health and safety of the Trojan community. 
“Typically, it’s a government municipality that receives the title of ‘Safe Community,’ but I don’t think there’s any municipality that will spend as much money trying to address risks as USC does,” said Robert Myrtle, health and safety specialist for Career and Protective Services (CAPS).

The 60-member task force meets up to two times a month to focus on short-term improvements, as well large-scale issues like recent campus congestion.  USC has set a standard for other universities around the world to strive for.  Ed Becker, executive director of environmental safety for CAPS, attributes USC’s accomplishments to the supportive atmosphere within the community. 

“This was a grassroots effort,” Becker said.  “Ideas are allowed to bubble up here, and this one was embraced by the administration.  That’s really how things start changing and tangible progress is made.”