September is National Preparedness Month, a time to focus on preparing for emergencies in your home, business and community. Knowing and understanding the safety resources available to you is an essential part of preparedness.
Students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to learn about and use the wide range of safety programs and resources that The University of Texas at San Antonio.
Here are five key safety resources you can use to stay safe and prepared at the main academic campus and the university’s downtown locations. (To learn more about police and emergency services at the UT San Antonio Health Science Center campus, click here.)
SafeZone mobile app
SafeZone is a free mobile app that gives you direct, real-time access to the campus police department and other safety services anytime, anywhere on the academic campuses. Whether you’re walking to class at night, waiting for a ride or wanting to stay in the know, SafeZone puts important resources at your fingertips.
With the SafeZone app, you can:
- Call for emergency help and connect instantly with the university police department.
- Share your real-time location if you ever feel unsafe or need assistance.
- Reach out for non-emergency support if something feels off.
- Access mental health support through the university’s Crisis Helpline.
- Get real-time alerts in the event of an emergency incident on campus.
Download the SafeZone app from the Apple Store or Google Play. Explore the features and get to know the app so you’re ready if you need to use it in an emergency.
For more information, including a video to help you get started, visit the Public Safety website.
Emergency notifications
The university provides an enhanced emergency text and email notification system that provides timely alerts in the event of an incident on the academic campuses. Review and update your contact information in your myUTSA account to ensure you receive alerts.
University guests and family members can also sign up for alerts. Simply text UTSAGuest to 59713. Registration expires after 120 days, at which point users can sign up again. You can also reply “STOP” to cancel alerts.
For additional updates during an emergency or campus incident, be sure to check UT San Antonio Today or the university’s official X, Facebook and Instagram channels for the latest updates.
Campus safety escorts
Campus safety escorts are available 24/7, whenever you need extra peace of mind on your way across campus. If you’re at the Main Campus, call 210-458-4242, and a university police department Rowdy Watch program member, uniformed officer, guard or vehicle escort will meet you and walk or drive you to your destination.
If you’re at a downtown location, including the Downtown Campus, Southwest Campus, San Pedro I or One Riverwalk Place, UT San Antonio’s partnership with Centro San Antonio provides additional support. Centro ambassadors are easy to spot in their Centro uniforms, professionally trained and always ready to help keep the area safe and welcoming.
There are two ways to request a safety escort downtown. Call the UT San Antonio Police Department at 210-458-4242 any time, day or night. Centro ambassadors are also available during select hours — call 210-224-7747 to connect with them for a safe walk to your destination.
Emergency blue phones
Access emergency assistance quickly and easily using the university’s network of over 150 emergency blue phones placed strategically throughout the academic campuses. Emergency phones are easy to spot by the blue light mounted above the phone box. They’re located along sidewalks, in parking lots and garages, and near most buildings.
Pushing the button connects you directly to UTSAPD and automatically shares your location, allowing officers to respond quickly and efficiently. These phones provide a reliable safety net for anyone who might not have immediate access to a phone or needs urgent assistance.
Bicycle registration, storage and free U-locks
If you bike to and around campus, take advantage of free bicycle registration and storage for security and peace of mind.
Registration helps campus police identify lost or stolen bikes and avoids unnecessary impoundment. It’s quick, easy and gives you one less thing to worry about. Register your bike anytime online or in person.
Throughout the semester, the university police department hosts registration events where you can register your bicycle and receive a complimentary U-lock while supplies last. U-locks are a significant upgrade from cable locks, securing both the frame and wheel to the bike rack and acting as a strong theft deterrent.
Additionally, you can take advantage of indoor bike storage if headed out of town for the weekend or over a break, or if you just want an extra level of security. Drop-offs are available 24/7 at the Bosque Building on the Main Campus and at the Security Services Desk in the Frio Street Building on the Downtown Campus.
While National Preparedness Month is a dedicated time to reflect on personal safety habits, it’s equally important to learn about community resources and services available year-round. Knowing what to do and where to look for help in an emergency can save vital time when you need it most.
