National Preparedness Month: Promoting Safety and Readiness on Campus

During September’s National Preparedness Month, the Baylor University Department of Public Safety (BUDPS) encourages the Baylor Family to enhance their readiness for emergencies by understanding the University’s multi-tiered approach to safety and security. 

BUDPS works hard to stay ahead of any potential threats to campus through numerous layers of preparedness, including the Baylor Alert emergency notification system, a strong partnership with the National Weather Service, early lightning detection with Earth Networks Lightning Alert System, the BU Guardian Campus App, an annual Active Threat Exercise and monthly tornado siren tests.

Baylor Alert

The Baylor Alert system is designed to inform and equip the campus community with the knowledge and tools to respond effectively in the face of possible emergencies. From potential weather issues to campus-specific threats, these initiatives aim to foster a culture of preparedness and ensure that everyone is ready to act when it matters most.

Baylor Alert uses multiple systems to communicate in an emergency, including: 

• Outdoor Notification System (Main Campus Only)
• Baylor Alert email notification to Baylor email account (from baylor@email.getrave.com)
• Baylor Alert text message to cell phone
• Audio message to a cellphone or other telephone
• Notices on Baylor’s main website (www.baylor.edu)
• Official Baylor social media channels: Facebook, X (Twitter) and Instagram
• The Baylor Information Line audio recording at 254-710-4411. 

“It is important for students, faculty, staff and visitors to be familiar with the Baylor Alert emergency notification system and emergency preparedness guidance for severe weather and other emergencies,” said George Nuñez, director of emergency management at Baylor. “Any emergency message that we distribute using any of these systems provides clear instructions as to what incident it is and the next steps to take. Anyone on campus, even visitors, need to be aware of what to do in case of an emergency.”

Weather emergencies 

Tornado watch vs. warning

With a campus of more than 20,000 students, including more than 40% from outside of Texas, it is important to Be Weather Ready throughout the year in Central Texas as weather can change quickly. 

Understanding the difference between a tornado watch and a warning is critical, Nuñez said.

Nunez encourages Baylor students, faculty and staff to discuss their emergency plans, review Baylor’s tornado safety procedure guide and take advance actions, including making sure you check supplies,  your phone is charged and check the safe space in your home, office, apartment or residence hall.

Lightning detection

In addition to the Baylor Alert system, Baylor’s lightning alert system – in partnership with Earth Networks – consists of a lightning detector, audible tone and flashing strobe to alert individuals of lightning threats within an eight-mile radius. The automated outdoor alerting system for lightning covers various outdoor campus recreational and athletic locations.

“Thunderstorms are powerful, and lightning is a significant threat,” Nuñez said.  “A great reminder from the National Weather Service that we encourage on campus is ‘When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!’"

BU Guardian Campus App 

With the BU Campus Guardian smartphone app a smartphone in your hand can quickly become a mobile safety device on the Baylor campus. The app provides several safety features available to all members of the Baylor community and connects individuals with the resources of the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD) right at their fingertips. 

One of the most popular features of the app is the Safety Timer, which allows students to choose friends, family and even the Baylor Police Department to be their “guardians” through the BU Campus Guardian app. 

“The BU Campus Guardian is a great tool to provide a ‘virtual escort’ and keep you connected to the Baylor Police until you reach your destination,” said Don Rodman, assistant chief of police at Baylor. “Baylor community members should download and use the Baylor Campus Guardian app on their smartphones when traveling across campus, particularly at night and when walking alone.”

Annual active threat exercise 

Each year, BUDPS plans and provides a simulated training exercise for multiple organizations in the Greater Waco and Central Texas area to work collaboratively in an active threat incident. This training strengthens local emergency services coordination and response to an active threat should one occur on the Baylor University campus or other locations in the greater Waco area. 

Outdoor warning system 

To ensure all Outdoor Warning Systems are ready, Baylor joins city and county partners for regular joint testing of tornado sirens at 10 a.m. on the first Friday of each month. If there is a weather-related emergency – including a tornado warning where a tornado is imminent – Baylor, the city and the county will activate their outdoor sirens to alert the public to take action to stay safe.

Whether it’s the Baylor Alert system, lightning detection or the BU Guardian Campus App, these initiatives aim to protect and inform the Baylor community in the face of potential threats. With ongoing partnerships, regular tests and a focus on educating students, faculty and staff, Baylor is dedicated to fostering a culture of preparedness and ensuring that everyone is equipped to act swiftly and effectively during emergencies.

For more information on how to stay safe and be prepared, visit the Baylor Emergency Management website.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

The Baylor University Department of Public Safety serves as an umbrella department for the Baylor University Police Department, emergency management, global safety and research security, technical security and parking and transportation. BUDPS 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.