TU Housing - Safety & Security

In the final analysis, security depends on you. The personal security of resident students is of primary concern to the Office of Housing & Dining Services. We are interested in your safety and encourage you to work with us to make the year an enjoyable and safe one. Be observant and mindful that you play a vital role in maintaining a safe and secure environment for yourself and others.

Bomb Threats Should be Taken Seriously
If you receive information regarding a bomb threat, get as much information from the caller as you can. Listen for background noises and voice patterns that might provide clues about the caller's location. Then, take the following steps:

Call Campus Security at 631-5555.
Contact a Residence Life Staff member.
Give your name and the exact information you received. Do not investigate, but rather be alert for unfamilair objects along exit routes.
Do not touch anything!
Begin evacuation of the building only if it is ordered by housing personael or campus security or as common sense dictates.

Tampering with Fire Alarm Pull Stations

Fire alarm systems have been upgraded to include smoke detector activation throughout campus. When a fire alarm system pull station is activated, it will automatically cause the fire alarm to sound and signal the fire department to respond, thereby evacuating the building as well.

Each time that a fire alarm system is activated through the tampering of a pull station or a smoke detector, you increase the risk that someone will be injured if there were ever a true fire because you increase the level that students "ignore" alarms.

Remember - Safety starts with you!

Medical Emergencies and Injuries

Alexander Student Health Center (631-2241) provides care and treatment of minor illness and emergencies for all full-time students who have a health record on file at the center. Students may be referred to a local physician for more serious healh problems requiring treatment that exceeds the center's capabilities.

The goal is to provide first-rate medical care at minimal cost. The center also strives to provide health education and preventative medicine. In case of medical emergenices, victims are referred to Hillcrest medical Center. 1120 South Utica, 579-1000. When the center is closed (during the summer and vacation periods) and immediate attention is required, emergency cases should be taken directly to Hillcrest's Emergency Room. Hospital and ambulance services are at the student's expense. For EMSA ambulance services, call 596-3010 or 9-911.

Contact a residence life staff member any time emergency health care is needed!

Office of Safety and Security

The Office of Safety and Security, located at 2819 East 10th St., is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

In an emergency affecting the safety of our residents or university property, campus security should be notified. You can contact them by dialing the security dispatcher at 631-5555.

If you are threatened at any time with physical harm, you should call campus security immediately. Campus security patrols the campus and reponds to calls 24 hours daily.

Campus security also provides escort service!

Fire Kills!
According to the National Fire Protection Association, the number of fires, fire injuries and fire deaths, as well as the amount of dollar loss from fires in college and university housing have increased dramatically in the past few years. Candles, smoking, and overloaded outlets have no place in a residence hall room. Don't try to fight a fire; sound the alarm and exit the building.

In order to prepare students and staff for this type of emergency situation, periodic fire drills are conducted in the residence halls and sorority housing. Refusal to evacuate during a drill will result in disciplinary action and/or fines. Lottie Jane, John Mabee, LaFortune House, and University Square Apartments are all equipped with "wet" fire sprinkler systems. Should the system be activated, an audible alarm will also be heard. As with any fire alarm system, residents should exit the building.

Do you know what to do if a fire breaks out?

Tornado Season!
Spring and early summer are tornado season. A tornado warning is the sounding of an emergency siren for three minutes followed by seven minutes of silence – take cover. If a tornado warning is issued, it is important for you to follow the following guidelines:

Move from your room to a place of greater safety, away from the top floors of the halls and apartments; and
Move to an inside hallway or below ground and away from windows, mirrors and glass. (Students residing in the apartments may take safety in any of the residence halls).
Take a blanket cover yourself, and try to remain calm until the "all clear" is given by the staff.
Do not use the elevator.
Remain in a safe area for at least 10 minutes after sirens stop sounding or until “all clear” signal is given.

Neighborhood Watch. Prevent Crime!
The best method for prevention of crime is an alert neighbor. The university encourages a “Neighborhood Watch” policy in all housing areas. Get to know the other residents in your area, and be aware of suspicious persons or behavior.

Twenty-four-hour emergency phones are located north of Twin Towers, north of Sorority Row, and next to Zink Hall. They are in blue boxes bolted onto poles and are marked by distinctive blue lights. These phones are direct lines to Campus Security. Additionally, phones are available in boxes at all exterior doors secured by electronic card readers in Twin Towers, Twin South, John Mabee, Lottie Jane Mabee, LaFortune Hall, and at the University Square Clubhouse. These phones provide direct dial to any campus phone number and the main desk, and include a “red button” for emergency calls to the university operator.

In addition, combination or electronic locks have been provided in all residence halls and in some areas of the apartments to assist in providing a balance between access needs and security. Combinations to locks are available in each residence hall and are given only to residents of that hall/floor. You can also be increased your sfety while on campus by following these suggestions:

It is always a good prctice to let someone know where you are going and when you will be returning, but do not leave this message on your door.
Notify a residence life staff member or campus security if you notice any suspicious activity or persons.
Don’t walk home alone at night or taking short cuts through poorly lit and less traveled areas!
Walk or jog with a friend.
If you think that you are being followed, walk towards lighted areas or where ther are many people and contact campus security as soon as possibly.
Do not leave keys in hiding places or record your address on your key ring.
Do not provide personal identifying information over the phone.
Keep your doors locked at all times.
Use your door viewer (peep hole) before opening the door to someone you do not know.

Door Key. Prevent Theft!
Because the University is not responsible for the theft of personal items, purchasing renter’s insurance is encouraged. Residents are also responsible for all university property within their living space, so it is good practice to lock your door whenever you leave your room or while you are sleeping. Should you be the victim of theft or other crimes, contact campus security, and your residence director immediately. Please file an official report with the Tulsa Police and Campus Security for insurance and legal purposes. You can also prevent theft and take control of your own safety by taking these simple actions:

Take your key with you whenever you leave your room and remember to lock your door, even if just going down the hall. It takes a thief 10 seconds to enter an open room and remove property.
Do not loan your room key or give out combinations/ID cards to others.
Immediately report lost keys to Housing & Dining Service's Maintenace Office.
Be a community player – don’t prop doors open – keep unwanted persons out!

Sexual Harrassment/Assault
Students have the right to live in an environment free from any form of intimidation including, but not limited to, racial, ethnic, or sexual harassment. Sexual harassment or assault in any form, including rape, acquaintance rape, threats of violence, or conduct that threatens the health and safety of any person is prohibited. Where there is probable cause to believe that a student is a victim of sexual assault or harassment, the University will pursue disciplinary action against the accused. Disciplinary action includes the possibility of removal from the residence living area as well as suspension or dismissal from the university.

A student charged with sexual assault can be prosecuted under Oklahoma criminal statutes and disciplined under administrative proceedings initiated by the University. Even if the criminal justice authorities choose not to prosecute, the University can pursue disciplinary action.