The Bayou Classic is right around the corner—so let the good times roll! Although it is time to have fun, students and spectators should remember to take many safety precautions, so they will fully enjoy themselves.
Officer Walter L. Harrison of the Southern University Police Department provided beneficial safety tips for those attending the annual post-Thanksgiving festivities.
Before anything else, remember to PLAN. When planning your agenda, be sure to avoid being placed in unusual or dangerous situations that could be avoided.
It is important that you do not travel to the game alone and that you don’t walk around New Orleans by yourself. Believe it, there is safety in numbers.
Harrison stresses that attendees take special care of valuables. “Every year after the big game, we receive so many reports on lost or stolen items, so watch your items,” said Officer Harrison.
If someone does try to rob you an item, just give it to them. Remember items can be replaced, you cannot.
It is also recommended that items left in vehicles be concealed carefully. During large events, people burglarize vehicles more so than usual. Women should not carry purses, unless absolutely necessary. If they must, it is recommended that the purse be held tightly under the arm. Another important tip directed towards both males and females is to not bring along anything that is of vast importance.
After the game, the partying begins. With the ongoing rash of drinks being tainted with ecstasy, women should not become heavily intoxicated or leave drinks unattended.
Everyone should stray away from locations where there is a lot of commotion. If someone decides to fight, go away from the altercation.
It is also important not to tell any stranger where you are staying for the night. Give no one your personal information.
Just in case you forgot, common sense is perhaps the best defense mechanism against theft and other possible problems. Use your senses. Be alert at all times, be wise and use good judgement. Also, abiding by a few rules learned during childhood can be helpful. Things such as ‘do not talk to strangers, remember to lock your doors and go no where with anyone you do not know’ should be taken seriously.
“Go down there, enjoy yourself, take care of yourself and watch yourself. Remember to handle your business don’t let your business handle you,” said Officer Harrison.
BAYOU CLASSIC SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Monday, November 25
Press Conference
10 a.m-NOON
Louisiana Superdome
Wednesday, November 27
New Orleans Hornets vs Atlanta Hawks
7:30 p.m.
New Orleans Arena
Friday, November 29
Coaches Luncheon
NOON-1 p.m.
Grand Ballroom
Hyatt Regency
Super Job Fair
12 p.m.-5 p.m.
French Market Exhibition Hall
Hyatt Regency
Battle of the Bands/Greek Show
7 p.m.-9 p.m.
Louisiana Superdome
Saturday, November 30, 2002
Fan Festival
10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Louisiana Superdome
State Farm Bayou Classic XXIX
1 p.m.
Louisiana Superdome
