Heightened-alert security measure implemented
(March 19, 2003)--In light of the war in Iraq, the UTSA Emergency Response Team (ERT) met Wednesday to discuss security enhancement measures. Concurrently, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has raised the terrorist attack threat level from yellow to orange, the second highest level on the advisory system.
As a heightened-alert security measure, ERT members increased security measures involving access and inspection of outside vehicles conducting business at the UTSA 1604 Campus.
Additionally, all UTSA employees are asked to have on hand their UTSACard for identification. Employees at UTSA's Institute of Texan Cultures (ITC) will not be allowed to enter the ITC building without their badges; visitor's badges will not be issued to ITC employees.
The new security policy is as follows:
- Effective at 6 a.m. March 20 and until further notice, all vehicles requesting entry to the UTSA service drive must enter at the Humanities and Social Science Building entry gate at the north side of the 1604 Campus next to the north entrance of the University Center.
- All drivers will be identified and vehicles are subject to inspection.
- Vendors and delivery companies should be prepared to show a bill of lading and identification.
- No personal vehicles will be allowed beyond the service drive entry gates.
- All vehicles allowed entry must park in designated parking areas. Vehicles parked on red curbs and other parking areas prohibited by signs and/or markings are subject to towing and/or being prohibited from entry in the future.
"At this particular point in time, we must choose between convenience and safety," said George Powers, UTSA police chief. "The safety of our faculty, staff and students is of paramount importance in my mind."
In addition to the vehicle inspections, university police officers will increase vehicle, foot and roving security patrols, and facilities services personnel will increase inspections of mechanical systems in all Tri-Campus buildings.
"If you notice anything unusual such as suspicious activities, packages
or people, notify a law enforcement agency,” said Powers. "Be aware
of your surroundings, remain calm and don't react to rumors."
In the event of an emergency, the UTSA community will be notified through
UTSA Today, @UTSA, UTSA-TV and the emergency notification phone system.
For more information, contact the UTSA Police Department at (210) 458-4242.
If an emergency situation occurs, information will also be available at: (210) 458-SNOW (7669).
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Useful Web links:
American Red Cross
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Federal
Emergency Management Agency
Prepare.org (disaster preparedness
information with language options)
Ready.gov (from the U.S. Department
of Homeland Security)
Texas Department of Information
Resources
UTSA
Office of Emergency Preparedness
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
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© The University of Texas at San Antonio, 2003