Members of our campus community have asked what they can do following a request from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that everyone be more aware of a possible terrorist attack.

Always be vigilant. If you see anything that looks suspicious or out of place, call the University of Houston Department of Public Safety. From any on-campus phone, call Ext. 3-3333. Our communication center is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Additionally, emergency call boxes are located throughout campus and emergency phones in every building. Do not hesitate to report any suspicious item, person or activity that seems out of place.

Secondly, particularly at home, have an emergency readiness kit. The kit should contain a three-day supply of food and water, clothing, toilet paper, a battery-powered radio, first aid kit, and blanket. A readiness kit is a good idea, even without the threat of terrorism, for such natural disasters as Tropical Storm Allison. Consider plastic sheeting and duct tape.

The following reading is recommended: First Aid Survival Manual by Chris McNab and Surviving Terrorism by Rainer Stahlberg.

Finally, the university has an emergency management plan, which provides guidance and instruction should an emergency situation occur on campus. UHPD is a member of the Texas Coastal Region Advisory System, a consortium of law enforcement and intelligence agencies that share information on terrorist threats in the Gulf Coast Region.

No information received to date indicates UH or its components are particular terrorism targets. In the event of a terrorist threat, the campus community will be immediately notified and additional information provided.