Spring Break
Tips from the pros:
Resident experts have advice to ensure a safe and secure experience at A&M
By: Kimberly Huebner
Issue date: 8/22/07 Section: News
FIRE SAFETY
James Jones - Inspector for Bryan Fire Department
• If you smoke, smoke only where permitted. Never smoke in bed.
• It is risky to smoke if you have been drinking or are drowsy.
• If you have a party, do not immediately dump ashtrays into a trash can. Wait until morning to empty them or take them outside.
• Only use candles when permitted. Never leave candles burning unattended.
• Keep paper, curtains and anything else flammable away from candles.
• When you move in, make sure the place you live in has a working smoke detector. There should be a smoke detector in each bedroom and all hallways that lead to bedrooms.
• If you are living in a dorm or multi-story building, make sure you know all exits.
• In the case of a fire, never use an elevator.
• It is a good idea to have a fire extinguisher in your house or room and know how to use it.
• When cooking, never leave food unattended, even for small amounts of time.
• It is safe to use strip plugs for small things, but not for larger appliances such as window unit air conditioners or heaters. These larger appliances should be plugged directly into an outlet.
• If an electric cord is warm, it is too small. Get a larger cord instead.
• Use surge protectors for computers, and turn computers off during lightning storms.
MEDICAL SAFETY
Rhonda Rhan - Health Education Coordinator, A.P. Beutel Health Center
• Be sure to incorporate healthy foods into your diet, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Drink plenty of water - it is a good idea to carry a water bottle to class.
• Don't go overboard with food in the cafeterias. This can lead to weight gain.
• Try to keep up an exercise program. Exercising regularly helps to maintain weight and reduce stress.
• If you feel sickness coming on, try to get plenty of rest and eat well. Try to have little contact with others if you feel you are getting sick.
• Every student should have a thermometer and a first aid kit in his or her room.
• Visits to physicians are already paid for in student fees, excluding prescriptions and tests.
• It is a good idea to take a multivitamin daily, but make sure it is safe, because supplements are not regulated by the FDA.
• Students should carry anti-bacterial hand gel in their backpacks to kill germs from classrooms and other areas.
• In case of medical emergencies, students on campus can call 9-911 to reach the campus EMS department, and students off campus can call 911 to reach the community EMS department.
• Students with non-emergency medical questions can call Dial-a-Nurse 24 hours a day at 979-458-8379 or the A.P. Beutel Health Education department at 979-458-8322.
CRIME PREVENTION
Officer Kristi Hosea - Crime Prevention Specialist for University Police Department
• Don't go jogging with headphones on, as this will make it difficult to tell what or who is around you. If you are jogging, take someone with you or tell a roommate where you are going and when you plan to be back.
• Communicate that you are calm and confident, and that you know where you are going. If you look lost, you will look like more of a target. Walk with your head up and make note of what others around you look like.
• When walking at night, stay on main sidewalks where there is more light and more people.
• There is safety in numbers. If you must study late at night, go with a friend and park close together.
• If you must walk by yourself at night, you can call Corps Escorts 24 hours a day at 979-845-6789 to have a Corps member escort you to your destination.
• Always lock the doors to your home and car whether you are in them or not.
• Never leave belongings visible inside your car - put anything valuable in the trunk to discourage break-ins.
• Engrave your driver's license number onto bicycles, laptops, iPods, calculators and other electronics.
• There are 116 emergency phones on campus. They are represented on campus maps by blue dots. Students can use these phones at any time for a free local three-minute phone call.
Helpful telephone numbers
• University Police Department: 845-2345
• Emergency (when on campus): 9-911
• Emergency (when off campus): 911
• Disability Services: 845-1637
• Bus Operations/Handicapped Shuttle: 847-RIDE
• Student Counseling Service: 845-4427
• Student Conflict Resolution Services: 979-845-3236
• Student Health Services: 979-458-8300
• Financial Aid: 979-845-3236
• Campus Information/Student Locator: 979-845-3211
• Registrar's Office: 979-845-1031
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