Better safe than sorry.

In keeping with that idea and a national trend, Saturday’s football game will have few measures of increased security for the more than 40,000 fans expected in Ames tomorrow.

The security is a good idea for a number of reasons.

First, the risk of acts of violence is always present. The precautionary measures taken by the university are necessary to safeguard Jack Trice Stadium.

The university has asked for fans to allow extra time to enter the game. The Department of Public Safety is advising Cyclone fans to head to the stadium. If you wait until 1 p.m. to walk to the stadium, you might miss kickoff. So plan ahead.

No bottles, cans, umbrellas or bags larger than purses will be allowed into the stadium by fans. In addition, university officials warn that all bags are subject to search.

“We have carefully studied all security-related aspects in a stadium setting to enhance the safety of all participants and patrons,” said DPS Interim Director Jerry Stewart. “We simply are examining the plan that has been in place.”

Officers from DPS, Ames Police Department, the Story County Sheriff’s office and the Iowa State Patrol will be at the game to help protect each and every student.

According to DPS, there will be officers both uniformed and non-uniformed. So remember that Saturday afternoon when you spill beer on that annoying guy asking questions in front of you.

In addition, Per-Mar Security will also assist in checking fans as they enter the stadium.

Of course, these security enhancements must come within reason. We can’t allow an atmosphere of fear to lull us into relinquishing civil liberties. There is a careful balance that must be maintained.

The changes in procedure planned for tomorrow are not major, but according to officials, the security presence will be more visible.

Second, the increased security presence is valuable in the event that ISU students become too rowdy.

In the past, students have become rowdy for a variety of reasons. A drunk student may be inclined to light a sofa on fire or start singing the ISU Fight Song with other drunken students.

We know alcohol can lead to violence.

And in light of the recent attacks, there’s the possibility that certain groups of students, especially Middle Eastern, South Asian, Asian or Muslim may be targeted for harassment, and with the addition of alcohol, the potential for such crimes is enhanced.

So please drink intelligently. And be prepared to see law enforcement officials wondering around the parking lot and stadium.

Do not allow the mix of high tension and alcohol cast a poor shadow on an event that is supposed to showcase Iowa State University.

Be safe and have a great time.

editorialboard: Andrea Hauser, Tim Paluch, Michelle Kann, Zach Calef, Omar Tesdell