Safety
On-Campus Safety
If you don’t feel safe to walk around on campus at night, you may request a Cougar Ride or a security escort.
Cougar Ride
Free rides to and from all Cougar Line Shuttle stops, the MD Anderson Library, Cougar Village, and Moody Towers are available Monday through Sunday from 9:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. To request a ride, visit www.uh.edu/af-university-services/parking/cougar-ride.
The drivers will not take you to your door or vehicle. If you need a ride directly to your vehicle or door, please request a security escort.
Security Escort
If you feel unsafe and want a ride directly to your vehicle or door, call the University of Houston Police Department at (713) 743-3333 to request a security escort.
General Safety Tips
Public Spaces
Stay in populated areas and avoid isolated areas. At night, avoid streets not well illuminated. If you feel uncomfortable for any reason, immediately seek refuge in an area, such as a hotel or a shopping mall. Trust your instincts.
Travel with a friend or a group of people as much as possible. Limit the times you venture out alone, especially at night. Always let someone know where you are going.
At night, take a Lyft, Uber, or taxi ride to your desired location and return in a taxi. Public transportation should be used with caution.
Money and Belongings
Keep a minimal amount of cash with you. Limit the number of credit cards you carry.
Do not openly display electronic devices, such as smartphones, cameras, video cameras, laptops, or tablets. Refrain from wearing expensive jewelry or expensive-looking watches. They attract unwanted attention and increase your chances of becoming a victim of robbery.
If you make purchases, return to your home and secure them. Avoid walking on the street with an abundance of items you just bought.
Home and Cars
Lock your door and windows at all times.
Lock your car and hide your belongings in the trunk. Many cars got broken into because of items left in the cars.
Carry copies of all identification with you. Leave the original documents at home. If you have a Texas driver’s license or ID, carry the original document.
Scams
Never accept a ride from someone you have just casually met, regardless of how you met the person. Some have become victims of robbery or sexual assault in this manner.
Be aware of emails, phone calls, websites, and computer viruses asking you for personal information and payments.
Government agencies will never ask over the phone for personal information or payment. Scammers might use the technique Caller ID spoofing to display a misleading or inaccurate Caller ID, such as FBI, IRS, and USCIS, on your phone. Say no and hang up.
Emergencies
Enter emergency contacts into your phone. Ensure that your loved ones have your emergency contacts readily available.
If confronted by an individual, stay calm and simply hand over your valuables. Do not resist nor talk back to the assailant. Most assailants are armed and may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. They will not hesitate to harm you if you resist.
Robbery
Here are some tips if you become victim of a robbery:
- Remain calm and do not resist. Assure the robber you will cooperate and take no action that may jeopardize your safety. Don’t make any quick or unexpected movements.
- Follow the robber’s directions, but do not offer more than what they ask for. Don’t argue. If you have to move or reach into your pockets to give the robber what they want, tell them what you are going to do and why.
- Make mental notes of the robber’s appearance. You’ll need to describe the suspect when filing your report. Take note of their features including race, age, height, hair and eye color, clothing, etc. Is there anything unusual about their appearance such as scars or tattoos? If they have a weapon, make note of what it is so you can describe it later. If they come or go in a car, try to note the make and model and license plate number.
- Notice what the robber does so you can include it in your report. If there are two accomplices, pay attention to any conversations they have with one another. Do they use each other’s names or nicknames? Do they mention any locations? Try to remember what they touch during the robbery so that police can check those areas for fingerprints.
- After the robbery, go immediately to a safe location, then report the crime. Your personal safety is your top priority. Make sure you feel secure before you call 911. If you’re in an isolated area, move to an area with people and ask someone to stay with you while you wait for help. If you opt to remain at the crime scene, try not to touch anything. If there were any witnesses, ask them to remain with you until the officers arrive. If they must leave, write down their name, address and telephone number.