Stay Aware: How Baylor Increases Safety and Preparedness on Campus

Contact: Shelby Cefaratti-Bertin, 254-327-8012
Follow us: @BaylorUMedia on X and LinkedIn

In September, colleges and universities across the country recognize two important national awareness months connected to safety and security: National Preparedness Month and National Campus Safety Awareness Month. For Baylor University, these are more than just dates on the calendar – they are reminders that campus safety is a shared responsibility integral to the University’s caring Christian community.

Through a multi-tiered approach to safety and security, Baylor and the Baylor University Department of Public Safety (BUDPS) provide the resources to enhance faculty, staff and students’ ability to be prepared for potential risks and emergencies. Several other departments and organizations work together to support student safety, including the Care Team, Title IX, Counseling Center and Beauchamp Addiction Recovery Center (BARC).

Staying aware

A new video featuring three campus leaders explores how everyone can contribute to safety through situational awareness. The video, “Awareness, Curiosity, Response: Keeping Campus Safe,” explores how faculty, staff and students can contribute to safety through staying aware of their surroundings and knowing how to respond when necessary.

The video outlines three practical strategies for situational awareness: 

1. Engage with your environment. Stay alert to your surroundings – both outdoors and indoors. Notice when something may seem out of place, know where the exits are and locate campus call boxes.
2. Stay curious. Curiosity helps us tune into our environment and the well-being of those around us. If something feels off, trust your instincts and take action.  
3. Observe with empathy. Seeing others fully and completely is a powerful way to demonstrate care for others and our community. Check in on classmates and roommates when you sense they are troubled. 

In addition to staying aware of surroundings, 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 Campus Guardian smartphone app, monthly tornado siren tests and more.

Baylor Alert

The Baylor Alert system is designed to inform and equip the campus community with the knowledge and tools to respond effectively in an emergency. 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 cellphone
• 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.”

BU Campus Guardian smartphone 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 is the app’s Safety Timer, which allows students to choose friends, family and even BUPD to be their “guardians.” 

“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 Donald J. (DJ) Rodman, senior director of public safety and security 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.”

Weather emergencies 

Tornado watch vs. warning

With a campus of around20,000 students, including nearly 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!’”

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.

Be Prepared

Preparedness isn’t just about plans on paper – it’s about people staying aware, understanding the resources and being ready to act when needed. 

Whether it’s the Baylor Alert system, lightning detection or the BU Campus Guardian smartphone app, these initiatives aim to protect and inform the Baylor community. 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

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. Learn more about Baylor University at www.baylor.edu.

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, physical and 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.