Stay Cougar S.A.F.E.

Tips to Avoid Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a habit that can lead to serious accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 3,087 people were killed due to distracted driving in 2022. The NHTSA also noted that being distracted for five seconds at 55 miles per hour is equivalent to driving the length of a football field with closed eyes. April serves as Distracted Driving Awareness Month, reminding us of our responsibilities and decisions on the road. Learn more about distracted driving and read the tips to help you on the road.

Map Displays Emergency Call Boxes Across Campus

A new interactive map on the UH Maps webpage now has the location of the emergency call boxes across the UH Main campus, as well as Katy and Sugar Land. These emergency call boxes are placed at various locations across UH and can place a call directly to the UHPD dispatch center to request police assistance. See the locations of the emergency call boxes on the interactive map.

UHPD Releases CRASE Training Dates

Did you know UHPD offers CRASE (Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events) Training? The two-hour training is available to students, faculty, and staff. The training teaches attendees what to do in the event of an active shooter situation and is built on the Avoid, Deny, and Defend (ADD) strategy developed by ALERRT in 2004. The spring semester CRASE training dates are February 6, March 13, and May. Learn more about UHPD’s CRASE Training.

UHPD Receives Reaccreditation by IACLEA

The University of Houston Police Department was awarded Reaccreditation by the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators. The accreditation constitutes the recognition that a department conforms to the highest professional standards for campus law enforcement and protective services. The accreditation process consists of five steps: Candidacy, Self-Assessment, On-site assessment, Commission Review and Award, and Maintain Compliance.

Biannual Shelter in Place Drills Conducted for UH Residence Halls

This spring, all residence halls across campus participated in the biannual Shelter-in-Place Drills, aimed at preparing staff and students for emergency situations that require them to seek shelter. The UH Office of Emergency Management, Fire & Life Safety, and Student Housing and Residential Life worked together to ensure the drills (exercises) effectively simulated a real shelter-in-place directive. These exercises help UH Student Housing and Residential Life staff practice notifying residents of a shelter-in-place directive while reinforcing proper procedures for residents to follow.

Fire and Life Safety Trains UH Student Center Student Workers

Members of the Fire and Life Safety (FLS) Office taught 70 student workers from the Student Center about Automated External Defibrillator (AED) familiarization and fire extinguishers. The training culminated in the students having the opportunity to use a fire extinguisher. Any office or building who would like to learn how to use a fire extinguisher can email FLS at fls@central.uh.edu.

The Importance of Bicycle and Scooter Registration at the University of Houston

As you move around campus, you might have noticed the increasing number of bicycles and scooters around the university this semester. With the rise in their usage, it's crucial to understand the importance of registering your bicycle or scooter with the university. Learn more about the usefulness of registering your bicycle or scooter.

Office of Emergency Management Collaborates with UH Building Coordinators

In the latest Building Coordinators Meeting, emergency preparedness took center stage as Maia Solomon, Emergency Management Specialist, presented key resources and opportunities for collaboration between building coordinators and the emergency management team. The meeting highlighted the vital role that building coordinators play in ensuring safety and preparedness within their facilities. Read more about this first Building Coordinators meeting of the year.

UHPD, Facilities Services, join DART Center in First Cougar Walk & Roll

The University of Houston Police Department partnered with the university’s Justin Dart Jr., Student Accessibility Center, and Facilities Services to host the first Cougar Walk & Roll, an event modeled on the annual Walk in the Dark event. While UHPD’s Walk in the Dark event focuses on identifying areas that could benefit from increased lightning, the Cougar Walk & Roll asks participants to locate accessibility concerns on campus. Read more about the first Cougar Walk & Roll.

Spring Flood Safety Tips

As spring arrives, increased rainfall can lead to rising water levels, overflowing rivers, and flash floods. These sudden floods can pose significant risks to communities, especially in low-lying areas that can be found in Houston. It's crucial to stay informed about weather conditions and be prepared to take action if flooding occurs. Even small amounts of standing or moving water can be dangerous, so exercising caution is essential. Read the flood safety tips to be better prepared.

Permitless Carry Update

The Texas Legislature enacted the Firearm Carry Act, HB 1927, which provides for Permitless Carry (sometimes referred to as “Constitutional Carry”) in certain places and under certain circumstances. HB 1927 excludes universities from the places where permitless carry is allowed. More information can be found on the UH Police Department campus carry website.

UH Police Department

The University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) strives to enable students, faculty and staff, and visitors to be safe while pursuing their on campus endeavors.

Resources

Emergency Call Boxes Across Campus

Emergency call boxes are placed at various locations across the University of Houston campus. The call boxes can place a call directly to the UHPD dispatch center to request police assistance, security escorts, and any other police service. The call boxes are on free-standing towers or mounted on light poles and are labeled 'Emergency.' See the locations of the emergency call boxes on this interactive map.

UH Bike Registration

Students, faculty and staff who have a bicycle on campus are required to register it. Registration takes only minutes to complete and is free. A registration sticker will be provided and should be placed on the bicycle. Log in to your myParking account through AccessUH to register.

Cougar Ride - After-Hours Shuttle

The Cougar Ride After-Hours Shuttle Service is a new program from Parking and Transportation Services that provides rides to and from all on-campus shuttle stops, as well as MD Anderson Library and Cougar Village/Moody Towers. The service is part of the multi-faceted approach of the Transportation & Security Work Group.

UH Police Help Only One Click Away

UHPD offers a variety of crime prevention programs to our community members: Personal Safety Awareness, Operation ID, Residential and Office Security, Sexual Assault Awareness, Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention, New Student and Employee Police Service Orientation, Community Dialogue Failure to Safeguard Program, Bike Registration, Rape Aggression Defense (RAD), Alcohol Awareness, Drug Awareness. Contact Sergeant Dina Padovan at 713.743.0596 or preventcrime@uh.edu.

Videos

Tips to Prevent Scooter Theft

The University of Houston Police Department shares tips to help prevent scooter thefts on campus. These include using a high-quality U-lock and registering your scooter and serial number through your MyParking account. Watch the video to learn more.

UH Hurricane Preparedness Training Video

The University of Houston Office of Emergency Management would like to make sure you're prepared for the next Hurricane Season with this brief training video.

UHPD Tips to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft

Residents are urged to follow some prevention tips to help lessen chances of becoming the next in a long line of property crime victims. Check out the tips to prevent catalytic converter theft.

Active Shooter Training

The UHPD Crime Prevention Unit is available for presentations on Active Shooter situations and other topics. We conduct regular Civilian Response to Active Shooter (CRASE) training, and are available for training for campus groups upon request. You may contact UHPD Crime Prevention at 713.743.0596 or preventcrime@uh.edu.

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