Carolyn DePew
Staff Writer
Camilla McElligott
Managing Editor
The holidays are here, and with the rush to move out and the crisis of gift shopping, it's easy to become frustrated and disoriented. We at The Daily Cougar would like to remind you to keep safe.
Sarah Cortez has been working with crime prevention for the University of Houston Police Department for over three years. She cautions students to be aware during the holiday rush.
"One thing people should particularly do while in parking lots is to stay alert and look at what is going on around them," Cortez said.
Being aware of the body language of those around you is essential to safety, according to Cortez.
"Most people have good instincts of when they feel threatened. Research shows that close to 90 percent of men and women knew something was wrong before they were mugged," she said.
"Never leave anything visible in your car. This is a wonderful encouragement for some one to break the windshield and steal it," she added.
Everyone should try to take precautions not to carry large amounts of cash and to be aware always when they are out purchasing gift items," said Cortez. "Know exactly what you have done with your credit cards and that they have been handed back to you.
"These are all common sense, but when people get rushed and busy and frantic, that's when their safety precautions tend to go down."
Students should remember their safety while they are on campus as well. UHPD will be open during the entire holiday break, but Cortez cautions that students and faculty should both always be aware of their surroundings.
Residence Halls Association Vice President of Settegast Hall Katrina Brauer also cautions residents of the Quadrangle to ready their rooms for the bathroom renovations that will be taking place over the break.
"Remember to move your lofts and furniture to the middle of room. Put any other items you will not be taking home with you into the closet. The closets will be taped shut during construction.
Those faculty and graduate students who will be working over the holidays should always remember to keep their offices locked. "If I were here working on campus when there were very few people here, I would leave my office locked even when I was in it. Sometimes unauthorized people do get into buildings," said Cortez.
Cortez advises students leaving their cars on campus while they are out of town to fill out a vehicle watch form at UHPD and leave the cars parked in lot 12A to insure that they are monitored.
Freshman university studies division major Kristian Lietzen is flying home to Wisconsin for the holidays.
"I am leaving my car parked at my roommate's house over the break," said Lietzen. "Do you think I am leaving it on campus? Are you insane?"
With all of the merry-making that accompanies this season, freshman finance major Abby DiPaolo advises everyone not to drink and drive. "Also, don't ride in a car with someone who's been drinking," she said.
Sophomore RTV major Kevin Kelleher offers a fire safety tip for all you Griswolds out there.
` "I hate it when I plug too many Christmas lights into one outlet (sniff) because it burns all my presents. (sniff, sniff) I never did get that dog."