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Language and Culture Center

Language and Culture Center

Safety

 

What should I know about safety?

  • Houston is a big city and some areas may be dangerous. Stay in populated areas as much as possible 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.
  • When going out, 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.
  • Keep a minimal amount of cash with you. Limit the number of credit cards you carry.
  • In public, do not openly display electronic devices, such as smartphones, cameras, video cameras, laptops, or tablets. They attract unwanted attention.
  • In public, refrain from wearing expensive jewelry or expensive-looking watches. It increases 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.
  • 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.
  • Enter emergency contacts into your phone. Ensure that your loved ones have your emergency contacts readily available.
  • Never accept a ride from someone you have just casually met, regardless of how you met the person (in person, via social media, etc.). Some have become victims of robbery or sexual assault in this manner.
  • At night, take a taxi to your desired location and return in a taxi. Public transportation should be used with caution.
  • If confronted by an individual, stay calm and simply hand over your valuables. Do not resist nor talk back to the assailant. Death may result from resistance. Most assailants are armed and may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. They will not hesitate to harm you if you resist.
  • 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.
  • Report phishing emails to University Information Technology Security at security@uh.edu and then delete them.

 

I am on campus. I don’t feel safe to walk around. What can I do?

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. The drivers will not take you to your door or vehicle. If you want a ride directly to your vehicle or door, please request a security escort (see below).
  • Security Escorts. If you feel unsafe and want a ride directly to your vehicle or door, call the UH Police Department to request a security escort.
    • Availability: 24/7
    • Phone: (713) 743-3333

 

What is an emergency?

An emergency is any time that you need the help of the police, the fire department, or medical personnel. These are some examples:

  • You are very sick or badly injured.
  • You are a victim of a crime, such as robbery or sexual assault.
  • You were in a car accident.
  • There is a fire in your home, your car, or your neighborhood.
  • Your car was broken into.
  • Someone is trying to hurt you.

 

How do I stay in touch with UH?

UH will sent important communications to you. Follow these instructions and update your new home address, phone number, and email address:

  • Report changes to the LCC. Send an email to LCC at LCC@uh.edu. In the email, please include:
    • your full name
    • your myUH ID (student ID)
    • your new home address, email address, or phone number
  • Report changes to UH
    • Step 1. Log in to your CougarNet account at AccessUH.
    • Step 2. Click UH Self-Service and then Personal Information.
    • Step 3. Update Address or Contact Details.

Contact

Non-Emergency on Campus

University of Houston Police Department

(713) 743-3333

 

Emergency off Campus

Houston Police Department

911

 

Non-Emergency off Campus

Houston Police Department

(713) 884-3131