Community Handbook:Safety and Security

Blue Emergency Phones

There are many emergency phones located throughout campus. These phones can be identified by a blue light on top of the phone. Some phones are mounted to buildings, and others are on a pedestal. All phones display “Emergency” on the side and serve as a direct link to UPD's emergency dispatchers.

Door Access System

Residential Living and Learning has placed security access doors on many of its doors in the residential communities. Residents are prohibited from propping these doors as it may cause permanent damage to the system and to the individual door, as well as permit entry to non-University-affiliated individuals within the halls. If you notice a door that is propped or broken, please inform your Residential Living and Learning Staff immediately so that the issue can be addressed.

Fire Alarm System

Each building is equipped with a fire alarm system. Residents are required to evacuate the building during the sounding of all alarms unless told otherwise by a member of the building staff and/or the University Police Department. Residents are prohibited from tampering with these systems, including but not limited to pulling fire alarms when no fire or threat of fire is present, playing with fire extinguishers, covering smoke detectors, and hanging items on or playing with the sprinkler system within the building. Failure to adhere to this policy could result in a fine of up to $500. (See Policy and Procedures for evacuation plans.)

When an alarm sounds, residents should do the following:

The Lion Safe App contains valuable safety instructions, along with a mobile blue light phone, a friend walk app, an up-to-date weather app, and much more. It can be found in the Google Play Store and the Apple Store and is provided at no charge.

Outdoor Warning System (OWS)

The Outdoor Warning Systems are commonly called “tornado sirens” or just “sirens.” However, it's important to understand that the Outdoor Warning System is meant to cover all hazards. As the name suggests, the system targets people who are outdoors. Those indoors may not hear the OWS due to reasons like the TV or radio being on, a vacuum cleaner running, etc. OWS should only serve as an additional warning tool for individuals. It can be used to alert citizens about tornadoes, hail, hazardous material incidents, civil emergencies, and any other imminent threat that could endanger lives and property nearby.

Pride Alert Warning System (PAWS)

The Pride Alert Warning System (PAWS) is a mass notification system that informs students, faculty, and staff of school closings and emergencies. If you wish to participate, sign up on myLeo under the ‘Apps’ section. In the event of severe weather, school closures, or any other emergency, you will be contacted via phone call, text messages, and email.

Smoke Detectors

Each residence hall has a smoke detector. Smoke detectors in rooms are inspected yearly by the Department of Campus Operations and Safety. If the smoke detector starts beeping intermittently, it might mean the battery needs replacing. Submit a work order to change the battery. Do not remove the smoke detector, as this violates RLL Policy and will cause UPD to be notified to respond to your residence.

Sprinkler System

In addition to the fire alarm system, sprinklers have been installed in many residential communities. These measures are in place for the safety and protection of residents, their belongings, and the University’s property. According to the NFPA 2018, nothing can be stacked, stored, or constructed within 18 inches of a sprinkler head (non-sprinkler residential communities are 24” from the ceiling). Hanging objects from sprinkler heads is strictly prohibited. Report any damage to the sprinkler system to the front desk of your residential community immediately.

Ways to protect yourself and your property

The University is not responsible for the loss, theft, or damage to students' money, valuables, or other personal effects. The University does not provide insurance to cover such losses. Students should check their parents’ or guardians' insurance to ensure that the policy covers their possessions while attending East Texas A&M University. If the parents' insurance does not provide such coverage, students are advised to purchase renters' insurance. The following tips, if properly and consistently employed, will help prevent the most common losses sustained by residents:

1. Keep rooms locked at all times. Residents should not loan their keys to anyone. Promptly report the loss of a room key to a Residential Living and Learning staff member.
2. To lessen personal losses, carry renter's insurance on valuable items and keep a record of all serial numbers on the property. UPD offers a free service for engraving and logging serial numbers.
3. Keep cars/motorcycles locked. Store valuables out of sight.
4. Register Bicycles with UPD upon arrival on campus and keep them locked at all times when not in use. Bicycle racks are provided within all residential areas and adjacent to many academic buildings.
5. Be aware of your surroundings. Promptly report any suspicious persons or activities to UPD by calling 903.568.5868
6. Property/Renters Insurance: Residents residing within a residence hall are sometimes covered under their parent/legal guardians' current homeowners or renters' insurance. The Department highly encourages you to purchase a renters insurance policy offered through many insurance companies. These policies will be effective in such incidents as fire, theft, flood, and other casualties that may cause damage to a resident's property. For more information on these policies please click here to be taken to the Residential Living and Learning Insurance website.