International Education > Archive > Category: Special Reports

052317 – Manchester Attack

May 23, 2017

The International Center wants to offer our deepest sympathy to any of you who have been affected by the attack at Manchester Arena in Manchester, UK.  Please find below resources for on-campus students and relevant advise for UTD travelers in the UK and other Western Europe countries.

If currently on-site on behalf of UT Dallas

Stay connected and aware of current developments

  • Monitor ISOS alerts, and media and local developments closely.
  • Follow any instructions or advice issued by the local authorities.
  • Expect a heightened security force presence and disruption to transportation.
  • Enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) if a U.S. Citizen.
  • Report with your home country embassy at your destination if not a U.S. Citizen.
  • Keep in contact your loved ones.

Be prepared

  • Continue to avoid the affected area.
  • Be prepared to arrange alternate routes and modes of transportation as needed.
  • Report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
  • Contact the official emergency number for enquiries: 00441618569400
  • Check your Personal Emergency Action Plan.
  • Contact International SOS in case of emergency.
  • Security hoaxes tend to proliferate in the aftermath of high-profile terrorist attacks, especially via web-based social networks. Ensure you have access to reliable intelligence and refrain from acting on the basis of unverified information.

Incidents such as this can shake anyone. If you need emotional support, please don’t hesitate to contact International SOS to request assistance.

If you have updated your travel itinerary, or have not registered it with International SOS, please register your travel itinerary in ISOS now.

Updates

M15 Security Service has raised the threat level for international terrorism from Substantial to Critical and provides the following recommendations for the public.

  • Remain alert.
  • Report any suspicious activity to the police on 999 or the anti-terrorist hotline: 0800 789 321.
  • If your information does not relate to an imminent threat, you can also contact MI5.

Impact on other Western Europe countries

  • A more visible police presence should also be expected across Western Europe, with the potential for closer scrutiny upon entry to some countries including France, Belgium and Germany.
  • Security arrangements are liable to include an increased police presence at major transport hubs, major events venues, including international conferences, and in central public spaces.
  • Suspicious packages or activity and related security operations could cause travel disruption in the coming days and weeks, including short notice evacuations.

On-campus resources for enrolled UT Dallas students

  • The International Student Services Office. Their advising staff is available for questions about making emergency trips home or other emergency immigration concerns.  For critical immigration emergency assistance outside of business hours, call the UT Dallas Police at 972 883 2222.
  • The Student Counseling Center. The Counseling Center is available for discussing personal issues or for emotional support. On-campus contact UT Dallas Counseling Center during office hours at (972) 883 2575. Call after hours at (972)-UTD-TALK.

Sources

The risk information in this report is retrieved from the listed sources. It provides general guidance for UT Dallas travelers. Please note the publication date of this post, and go to the direct sources listed above for the most up-to-date information.  The information in this post may change without prior notice.