Baylor’s Department of Public Safety Hosts Sic ’Em for Safety Day to Engage Students on Campus Safety

Contact: Shelby Cefaratti-Bertin, Baylor University Media & Public Relations, 254-327-8012
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WACO, Texas (Sept. 19, 2023) –  Simulated fires in residence halls, learning to tie tourniquets, visiting with a therapy dog, as well as other activities like axe throwing and a simulated residence hall room fire demonstration, are among the highlights of Sic ’em for Safety Day, an annual event for students hosted by the Baylor University Department of Public Safety (BUDPS). This year’s Sic ’em for Safety Day will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27, on Fountain Mall and combines safety education with fun activities as a way for students to experience the vital role they play in keeping themselves and the Baylor community safe.

Held each year during National Preparedness Month, Sic ’em for Safety serves as an ongoing community-building opportunity for students to learn about emergency services, Baylor and local resources available to them and potential safety hazards. The event is staffed by each BUDPS unit: the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD), emergency management and fire safety, parking and transportation services, technical and physical security, and global safety and security.

“The annual event helps students gain a broader understanding of the Public Safety network designed to care for and support them while they are here at Baylor,” said Don Rodman, assistant chief of police at Baylor. “Students come from all different walks of life and experiences, so we want to provide the opportunity for them to meet and gather with first responders to learn about public safety where they can ask questions in a fun and welcoming environment. “

Through Sic ’em for Safety activities spread all across Fountain Mall, students can learn about safety measures and resources while also enjoying the outdoors, free t-shirts, snow cones and giveaways. Students are encouraged to ask questions and interact with the many participating community partners, including the Waco Police Department, Waco Fire Department, McLennan County Sheriff’s Office, American Medical Response (AMR/EMS), American Red Cross, Waco-McLennan County Public Health District and Waco-McLennan County Office of Emergency Management.

“My favorite part of the evening is getting an opportunity to talk with students and see how amazed they are at all the resources that play a part in their safety,” Rodman said. “A close second is the smiles on both the students’ and first responders’ faces as they interact and enjoy the night together in the community.”

There are plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy, including:  

• Simulated residence hall room fire demonstration to raise awareness of fire safety and prevent fires in residence halls by showing just how quickly a fire can spread;
• Demonstration of the power of smell from an explosive ordinance detection Police K-9
• How  to apply tourniquets and how to use; a fire extinguisher to put out a fire;
• Free t-shirts for the first 1,000 students;
• Free Kona Ice snow cones and donuts;
• Axe throwing with Waco Axe;
• Inflatables;
• Campus bike registration;
• Giveaways;
• Showcase of first responder vehicles; and
• A visit by goldendoodle Liberty, AMR’s therapy dog.

“Our Baylor police, emergency and fire prevention personnel diligently serve our campus community each and every day. We are honored again to host Sic ’em for Safety Day on campus, which allows us and our Waco and McLennan County partners to engage with our students in a fun evening of activities while highlighting the vital role they play in campus safety as well as their own personal safety,” said Mark G. Childers, associate vice president for public safety and security at Baylor.

Childers encourages students, faculty and staff if they observe suspicious or concerning activities or behaviors to immediately contact the BUPD at 254-710-2222.

“Simply put,” Childers said, “if you ‘See Something-Say Something.’”

ABOUT BAYLOR DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

The Baylor University Department of Public Safety serves as an umbrella department for the Baylor University Police Department, emergency management, fire safety, global safety and security, technical security and parking and transportation. The DPS is set on providing students, faculty and alumni with excellent security and safety through instant notification systems, extensive surveillance cameras and highly-trained staff.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.