By\u00a0Lisa Swearingen<\/p>\n
On April 12, Daytona State College hosted Campus Safety Awareness Day. People, eager to learn more about what they should do during an emergency were given information about these topics from organizations in the Volusia county area. Students, faculty and staff participated in the event, which took place at the Campus Safety Plaza.<\/p>\n
The event kicked off with school children reciting and signing the Pledge of Allegiance. Participants at the event included: Campus Safety, Judicial Affairs, Emergency Management Team and the Children\u2019s Advocacy Group. Some individuals were also nominated on behalf of their time and effort concerning the safety and well being of the community. Jane Davis and Denise Hayes, adviser and president of the Environmental Club, respectively, sold 50 reusable, environmentally friendly mugs.<\/p>\n
A table set up for the Project Speak and the suicide-prevention group hoped to spread the word about how an individual who is depressed or contemplating suicide can receive help and join groups that will assist people through their struggles. The faction wants people to know that no one is alone in their trials and tribulations, and there is always someone within their group that has gone through the same situation.<\/p>\n
DSC\u2019s Women\u2019s Center is available to assist women who are seeking support in certain areas such as academics, personal aid and information regarding the College\u2019s daycare to care for children of parents wishing to attend classes on campus. Nancy DeStefano, who coordinated the Women\u2019s Center\u2019s booth, said that the Center will do its best to work with those who request help in these and other areas. She said having events, such as the Campus Safety Awareness, allows students who don\u2019t know about the daycare center and other aide for women, is a good way to get the word out.<\/p>\n
Some of the Campus Safety lectures focused on hurricane preparedness and what to do in case of emergencies. This brought on challenges to the crowd to see who knew what to do in case of disaster.<\/p>\n
When catastrophe strikes, Campus Safety leaders are swift to say it\u2019s always preferable to evacuate. The lecture included an information session about mass communication systems and the importance of knowing what to listen for when an alarm is sounded, knowing where evacuation routes are at all times, what lockdowns entail and when an emergency is accurate or possibly even false. Campus Safety said, \u201cThe best thing we can do in a situation is being prepared. Preparation prevents panic.\u201d<\/p>\n
A social agency showcase included the Children\u2019s Advocacy Center and Domestic Abuse Council, where participants could gather information on where they can call or receive help for a domestic abuse situation, even when it is not their own personal experience. This group also sheds light on the warning signs of an abusive circumstance. Brochures and hotlines to call were provided to many who stopped at the booth. The council works to let people know not to turn the other cheek and to call if anyone they know is in danger.<\/p>\n
Ken Matthews of the Judicial Affairs Office said his headquarters and Campus Safety collaborate to ensure safety of the campus. The role of these two groups is to investigate violations or accusations, and respond to complaints accordingly. Matthews\u2019s staff also aids people with psychological disabilities, protecting their rights and those of others who may have a safety complaint. Matthews and his unit support students with behavioral problems and help connect students with resources at DSC. Matthews said Campus Safety encourages faculty, staff and administration to help maintain a safe learning environment.<\/p>\n
Students, faculty, staff and even visitors to DSC can be assured Campus Safety is fully trained and knowledgeable regarding safety procedures and taking adequate notes about a complaint. Campus Safety assures people, even if an individual has an altercation, nothing is too petty to be reported right away. DSC wants to continue their Campus Safety Awareness Day to continue getting people informed on how to protect themselves, the environment and others.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
By\u00a0Lisa Swearingen On April 12, Daytona State College hosted Campus Safety Awareness Day. People, eager to learn more about what they should do during an emergency were given information about these topics from organizations in the Volusia county area. Students, faculty and staff participated in the event, which took place Continue reading Safety first at DSC<\/span>