One of the most highly anticipated events for anteater sports fans has arrived; the L.A. Rams are officially on campus and are set to kick off summer training camp this weekend. Over the next six weeks, the UCI community can expect to see thousands of non-campus-affiliated southern California visitors pouring in to the stands for “open practices” (http://www.parking.uci.edu/rams/schedule.cfm) to welcome back their beloved team that left Los Angeles over two decades ago. Also, in addition to the normal volume of media presence at NFL training camps and the fact that this will be the Rams homecoming, the team is also being featured on the HBO T.V. series “Hard Knocks” this year which will attract an even greater media presence. As exciting as this may be for the community, there are certainly some increased levels of risk and safety measure that we want the community to be aware of regardless of whether or not you plan to take in a practice or two.
Below are some tips to ensure your safety and security over the next six weeks of this high profile event:
• Risk: An increased number of non-campus-affiliated visitors increases the risk of “crimes of opportunity.” Risk Reducer: Be vigilant about locking your doors when you leave your home or car. Do not leave items of value lying around in visible places. Avoid walking alone at night or at least do so in well-lit areas. Be aware of your surroundings.
• Risk: The community should expect an increased amount of cars, logistical vehicles and general traffic on campus; particularly during days of “open practices.” Risk Reducer: Increase your awareness on the road while driving and avoid distractions (i.e. phone, eating, radio, etc.), watch for pedestrians, obey speed limits and traffic signals, walk your bike when crossing the street, and plan extra time for meetings and such when traveling around campus.
• Risk: Although this event will strictly enforce a No Alcohol policy, this never guarantees that everybody will obey the law. Risk Reducer: Be observant of social behavior and if you suspect for whatever reason that somebody(s) is acting irrationally or in a manner that could place others at harm contact the UCIPD or locate an officer that will have a significant and constant presence at the event.
• Risk: The weather has been extremely hot over the past few weeks and this trend is likely to continue. Risk Reducer: Whether you attend these practices or are outdoors for any other reasons be sure to hydrate, wear a hat/visor and take other heat-related illness prevention measures. These can be found on our Emergency Management Blog post from June 15th @ http://sites.uci.edu/emergencymanagement/
• Risk: As with any high profile event, the next six weeks may expose the campus’s risk of being a potential target for acts of terrorism and/or other intentional harm. Risk Reducer: As always, remain aware of your surrounding and if you “see something, say something” to the UCIPD @ (949) 824-5223 or for an emergency dial 9-1-1.
• Follow additional rules set forth by UCI which can be found @ http://www.parking.uci.edu/rams/guidelines.cfm
The extensive and collaborative efforts among many departments at UCI has laid the groundwork for our campus to be a good host to this returning NFL team while still protecting and respecting the needs of the campus community. These tips are just helpful to increase our own personal level of health, safety and well-being during this busy time of summer.
We encourage the community to partner with the UC Irvine Police Department to prevent or report crime by calling (949) 824-5223. If you wish to remain Anonymous, call “OC Crime Stoppers” by dialing 855-TIP-OCCS (855-847-6227), text "OCCS" plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or use the website http://occrimestoppers.org/
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