Skip to main content

Emergency News

Public Safety Notice
Saturday, February 11, 2012

The current assessment of the security situation in Down Town shows that it is safe and secure to access the Main Tahrir Campus and the Falaki Campus through all gates. We will open the Theater gate to Falaki campus as well. Accordingly, we will resume normal operation at Falaki starting Sunday, 12 February, 2012.

Please be reminded that all activities on AUC New Cairo campus for the next two days are exclusive to members of the AUC community only. No access will be granted to any non-AUC visitors.


Public Safety Notice
Thursday, February 2, 2012

There are three marches taking place this afternoon at the following locations:

  • El Ahly club to Tahrir Square       
  • Ain Shams University to Ministry of Defense
  • Sphinx Square in Mohandeseen to Tahrir Square
The Ministry of Interior deployed 20 battalions and around 10 armored specialized vehicles from central security forces to surround and protect the Ministry of Interior building in Down Town. Other Military forces are located there as well.

The following advice can help keep you safe and secure:

1.      Exercise caution when passing by government buildings, police stations and military barracks.
2.      Treat members of the security forces you encounter with patience and respect, and follow all instructions promptly.
3.      Carry photographic identification and a mobile phone.
4.      Remain alert to the possibility of road blockage in different areas.
5.      Get familiar with escape routes in case of emergency situation.
6.     Keep updated on the situation by following media reports.
7.     If you have not registered with the AUC Emergency Communication system yet, please click here
8.      If you are occasionally trapped in the crowd you are reminded to:
  • Not panic, keep calm.
  • Make yourself aware of your surroundings and mentally notice alternate exits.
If you find yourself in the middle of a moving crowd, do not fight against the pressure, and try to take advantage of any space that may open up to move sideways to the crowd movement where the flow is weaker.

If you fall and cannot get up, try to keep moving by crawling in the same direction. If it’s not possible, cover your head with your arms and curl up into the fetal position.

The worst scenario is to be pushed by the crowd against an immovable object, try to stay away from walls, fences or barricades, as the crowd pressure can build up rapidly.
 
AUC will continue to provide you with regular reliable information through e-mail, SMS and on the University Website.

Public Safety Notice
Thursday, February 2, 2012

Due to the current information we have that the security situation might be unstable this afternoon in Down Town, Tahrir Campus and Falaki building will be closed for operation at 1330 hrs.

Please follow the security officers' instructions on your way out.


Public Safety Notice
Thursday, January 26, 2012

Traffic is back to how it was before January 25, 2012 in Tahrir Square. The check points were removed. Pedestrian access to Falaki Street from Mohamed Mahmoud Street will be opened on Saturday January 28, 2012.

Public Safety Notice
Wednesday, January 25, 2012

The security situation in Tahrir is stable. The square was full of people celebrating the day peacefully. We are not sure whether the crowd and the check points will be less in the morning. The army blocked Falaki street with the barbed wire so that pedestrians coming from Mohamed Mahmoud street will not be able to pass. It is advisable that you use Mansour street to Sheikh Rihan street to Falaki building, and Tahrir street to Mohamed Mahmoud street to Tahrir Main Campus.


Public Safety Notice
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
 
Large gatherings are anticipated tomorrow, Wednesday January 25, 2012, in Tahrir Square. The current  security assessments indicate that the gatherings will be peaceful and that we will have normal operation on Thursday January 26, 2012, but there is always a risk of localized unrest.
 
Large gatherings might take place in other major squares in Cairo and other cities such as and not limited to Alexandria and Suez.
 
Several parties, groups and activists are organizing marches from various areas to Tahrir Square at 12:00 pm as follows:
·        
  • El Horaya Sq. in Maadi
  • Nahia in Giza
  • Imbaba in Giza and this will pass by Mostafa Mahmoud Mosque in Mohandeseen.
  • El Istiqamah Mosque in Giza Sq
  • Shoubra
 
The following advice can help keep you safe and secure:

1.      Exercise caution when passing by government buildings, police stations and military barracks.
2.      Treat members of the security forces you encounter with patience and respect, and follow all instructions promptly.
3.      Carry photographic identification and a mobile phone.
4.      Remain alert to the possibility of road blockage in different areas.
5.      Get familiar with escape routes in case of emergency situation.
6.      As a reminder, please ensure that you have an adequate supply of food, water and cash in your home in the event that services are interrupted.
7.      Keep updated on the situation by following media reports.
8.      If you have not registered with the AUC Emergency Communication system yet, please click here to register
9.   Please note that you may access the list of the police patrol emergency numbers by clicking here
10.  If you are occasionally trapped in the crowd you are reminded to:
  • Not panic, keep calm.
  • Make yourself aware of your surroundings and mentally notice alternate exits.
If you find yourself in the middle of a moving crowd, do not fight against the pressure, and try to take advantage of any space that may open up to move sideways to the crowd movement where the flow is weaker.

If you fall and cannot get up, try to keep moving by crawling in the same direction. If it’s not possible, cover your head with your arms and curl up into the fetal position.

The worst scenario is to be pushed by the crowd against an immovable object, try to stay away from walls, fences or barricades, as the crowd pressure can build up rapidly.
 
AUC will continue to provide you with regular reliable information through e-mail, SMS and on the university Website

Public Safety Notice
Monday, December 26, 2011

The security situation in Tahrir Square and the surrounding area has been stable for the past few days.
 
AUC Tahrir Main Campus will be open for normal operation tomorrow Tuesday December 27, 2011. While Mohamed Mahmoud and Sheikh Rihan streets are still blocked by concrete, you may access the Main Campus through Ewart Gate if you come from Mansour Street, or Mohamed Mahmoud Gate if you come from Tahrir Square.
 
Falaki Campus and the clinic remain open for normal operation.

Security Session on Thursday and Safety Tips
Tuesday, November 29, 2011, 2:15 pm

Due to heightened security concerns in Egypt in general and among members of the AUC community, the Office of Public Safety will be holding a session this Thursday, December 1 during assembly hour from 1 to 2 pm in Moataz Al Alfi Hall. This session will provide general advice on how to stay safe and a question and answer session to address your concerns. The session will be conducted in both English and Arabic.

The University is deeply committed to the safety and security of its community and campus. AUC New Cairo was specifically designed to allow a high-level of perimeter control, utilizing a number of techniques between the two access zones to ensure that only authorized individuals are able to enter the campus. The area between the outer gates and the parking lots is monitored with surveillance cameras on a 24-hour basis, creating a buffer zone between the outer perimeter and the second set of walls that are only accessible with an AUC ID. Outside the gates of AUC, the public safety office coordinates closely with both the police and the military. After the car theft incident last week, the University has been in contact again with the local authorities to request increased patrols around our campus. Nonetheless, members of the AUC community are advised to park within the campus parking lots.

We would also like to encourage all members of the community to exercise greater caution, a heightened sense of awareness and follow the general safety tips listed below. As a member of the community, you are an important partner in ensuring your own safety and that of others around you. Be sure to report any suspicious activity or incidents to the Office of Public Safety and the police.  If you have any questions concerning this announcement or any security-related issue to report, please contact the security department at ext 4444, or through 19282 or
publicsafety@aucegypt.edu.

General Safety Tips

•    As you move around Cairo, keep with you at all times a valid ID and a mobile phone.
•    Be prepared to show your ID when asked
•    Report any suspicious activity
•    Be as unpredictable as possible when you plan your work and social schedules. Schedules that are most predictable make you most vulnerable
•    Always be aware of your surroundings, but act like nothing is a big deal
•    Do not distract yourself with headphones and listening to music
•    Always attempt to leave space in which to maneuver in traffic
•    Avoid choke points in travel, and be wary of diversions
 •    If you are being followed or harassed by another driver, try to find the nearest police station, safe haven, hotel, or other public facility to call the police
•    Never lead the person back to your home or stop and get out
•    Wear comfortable shoes and dress to blend in
•    When walking in public, make sure you carry belongings such as your handbag on the opposite side of cars passing you
•    Use the sidewalk where possible
•    Try to keep some space between you and the other individual if speaking to an unknown person
•    Do not allow individuals into your residence who you do not know
•    Do not give out personal information over the phone

Tips to Avoid Car Theft
•     Always park your car in a well-lit area if you plan to arrive or leave after dark
•     Don’t park in isolated or visually obstructed areas
•     Use attended garages
•     As you walk to your car, be alert to suspicious persons standing around or sitting in nearby cars
•     If someone approaches you, change directions
•     Follow your instincts if they tell you to walk or run away
•     As you approach your vehicle, look under, around and inside your car
•     Always have your keys ready to avoid taking time looking for them before you unlock the car
•     If safe, open the door, enter quickly and lock the doors, start your car and drive immediately
•     Always drive with your car doors locked and windows rolled up
•     When stopped at a traffic light or on the road for any reason, leave space a head to allow you to maneuver and escape if necessary
•     If you are bumped in traffic be suspicious of the incident and use your common sense on whether to stop or just leave the scene
•     Whenever you have a flat tire or alerted about a flat tire, do not stop and continue driving until you reach a busy place or a gas station
•     Call the police immediately to report the crime and provide detailed information

 
AUC New Cairo to Operate Tuesday, Car Theft, Community Resources

Sunday, November 27, 2011, 3:30 pm

Both AUC Tahrir Square and AUC New Cairo will be closed on Monday, November 28; AUC New Cairo will operate a normal schedule on Tuesday, November 29. Given that each round of elections will now take place over two days, there is time for members of the community who wish to take part in this important civic duty to do so on Monday. At the same time, there are numerous exams and classes scheduled on Tuesday, which make closing difficult for faculty and students.The safety and security of members of the AUC community is of paramount importance to the University; however, and the emergency management team will continue to monitor the situation closely.

This morning, three armed individuals approached the driver of a vehicle parked outside of Gate 1, asked the driver to turn over the keys and drove off with the vehicle. No one was injured in this incident, which was reported to thelocal police authorities and the military, which will be investigating. Members of the community are encouraged to park on the campus parking lots and should remember to always keep car windows and doors locked while parked or waiting outside the gate.

The University has been assisting AUC faculty members and graduate students who live downtown to relocate outside of this area temporarily. Any faculty member needing such assistance should be in contact with the Office of the Provost; international students should contact the International Student Affairs Office (ISA). International students should stop by ISA to pick up an emergency contact card and can, in the event of an emergency, call 010.0006.6907. Given the security situation, we ask that members of the community be prepared to cooperate fully with the transportation team in arranging the most appropriate times for pick up from downtown. All AUC affiliates, particularly international graduate students, should ensurethat their contact information, including local address and local phone numbers, are updated at

http://myinfo.aucegypt.edu.

Three Detained Students Depart Egypt
Sunday, November 27, 2011, 10:15 am

On Friday evening, the three detained AUC international students Luke Gates, Greg Porter and Derrik Sweeney were escorted by police directly to the airport, where they each boarded flights out of Egypt. They have all now left the country. Since they were not permitted to return to the dorms, AUC staff members from the international student affairs team and the dorms packed their belongings for them and sent them to the airport. 

Detained Students Awaiting Clearance for Release
Friday, November 25, 2011, 11:00 am

Yesterday, the Public Prosecutor's office issued the order of release for AUC students Luke Gates, Greg Porter and Derrik Sweeney. The students are now waiting at the Kasr El Aini police station for the necessary clearances to be released; and their families have arranged for departure from Egypt once the clearances are obtained. Yesterday, staff members from the International Student Affairs (ISA) office and the International Peer Leaders visited with the students and found them well. They will continue to visit the three students until their release and departure.

Library Fire Extinguished
Wednesday, November 23, 2011, 3:50 pm

There was a small fire on the third floor of the old library building on the Greek Campus at 1:30 pm today. Fortunately, the fire was contained in one room and extinguished in less than an hour, thanks to the extraordinary efforts of our staff. 

Message to International Students
Wednesday, November 23, 2011, 1:30 pm 

Given the unfolding events in Tahrir and around Egypt, international students are urged to use caution and sound judgment in their movements in and around the city. The excitement to bear witness to these extraordinary times in real time on the ground is totally understandable, yet international students are encouraged to refrain from placing themselves in areas of civil unrest. In addition, please be reminded that as an international student, you are a guest in Egypt and subject to its laws. Your safety and security are very important to the University; therefore, please review the safety tips distributed to the AUC community back in September that remain relevant today:

• Travelling outside Cairo is permitted, but make sure to be home before 10 pm.
• When you travel inside Cairo, limit all movements to the most essential only and plan alternative routes, avoiding large gatherings.
• Avoid all rallies because of a credible risk of localized unrest.
• Exercise caution when passing by government buildings, police stations and military barracks.
• Treat members of the security forces you encounter with patience and respect, and follow all instructions promptly. Carry photographic identification and a mobile phone.
• Ensure that you have an adequate supply of food in your home in the event that services are interrupted.

Any international student living offcampus may report to the Zamalek Dormitory reception to checkin for a temporary stay there if they feel their safety is compromised during these days of protest. Check to see that you have your emergency contact card, which is distributed to all international students upon arrival. If you need another one, please visit the Office of International Student Affairs. If you have not registered with the AUC Emergency Communication system yet, please do so by filling in this form.

Detained Students Interviewed by Public Prosecutor
Wednesday, November 23, 2011, 1:20 pm

The University has confirmed this morning that the public prosecutor interviewed yesterday our three detained American study-abroad students, Gregory Porter, Luke Gates and Derrik Sweeney, who are being held at the Abdeen public prosecutor’s office. Today, they will be interviewed again by the State Security public prosecutor.

AUC New Cairo to Operate Tomorrow
Tuesday, November 22, 11 pm
 
We recognize that these are extraordinary times. We feel confident that, having carefully assessed the potential risks to the safety and security of our students, faculty and staff, we will not be putting our community in harm's way by opening tomorrow. Moreover, we believe that AUC best serves its mission to be of service to Egypt by operating as fully as possible.
 
The Tahrir Square campus will remain closed until further notice.

AUC New Cairo to Close Early
Tuesday, November 22, 12:30 pm

AUC New Cairo will be closing early today due to the high likelihood of traffic congestion related to general protests that are anticipated later today. As of 1 pm, staff, faculty and students may begin to leave the New Cairo campus. The bus schedule will see departures for all routes beginning at 1:15 pm. There will be an additional departure for all routes at  3 pm  and a final departure at 5 pm.

We anticipate normal operations on the New Cairo Campus tomorrow.

Prescriptions Filled at Any Seif Pharmacy
Tuesday, November 22, 2011, 12 pm

For members of the AUC community who used to fill prescriptions at the downtown clinic, you may do so at any of the Seif Group Pharmacies in Egypt. Call their hotline at 19199 to find the nearest location to you. You may pick up medication without up-front costs if you present a physician’s prescription and an AUC ID. If you cannot get to any of the Seif Pharmacy locations, you can fill your prescription at any pharmacy and you will be reimbursed in full as long as you provide AUC with a receipt.
 
For questions, call AUC's Office of Medical Services at 2615.3912 or 2615.4000. Additionally, you can reach Dr. Mohamed Amin, head of medical services, at 012.2100.5947.  

Three Study-Abroad Students Detained
Tuesday, November 22, 2011, 11 am

The University has verified that three of our American study-abroad students Gregory Porter, Luke Gates and Derrik Sweeney were arrested last night. AUC is making contact with the U.S. Embassy and the Egyptian government to determine their whereabouts and to ensure their safety.

 
Useful Links

Emergency Numbers


Messages from the President

Update your Contacts

Media Contacts