Southeast Missouri State University student publication

Inaugural Safety Day takes over Normal Street

Monday, September 23, 2019
A variety of pamphlets regarding information about emergency events and other safety protocols were handed out on Wednesday, Sept. 18 in front of Kent Library in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
Photo by Christi Hartung

In the event of an emergency, it's important to know who to call for help.

In a joint effort to help clear that up for students the Department of Public Safety (DPS), in partnership with Cape Girardeau city and county safety departments, held its inaugural Safety Day on Wednesday, Sept. 18 in front of Kent Library.

Blocking off the majority of Normal Street from Pacific to Henderson, local safety departments offered a variety of activities, free food from Chartwells and goodies for students to engage in public safety.

A variety of pamphlets regarding information about emergency events and other safety protocols were handed out on Wednesday, Sept. 18 in front of Kent Library in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
Photo by Christi Hartung

Many groups were present including the National Guard, local police, fire and EMT departments and highway patrol officers.

The goal of the day was to show students how much work goes into safety and providing students with multiple resources for emergency situations in which they may find themselves.

Director of the Cape Girardeau County Office of Emergency Management Mark Winkler said the event is a great opportunity for students to become familiar and comfortable with their local response agencies.

“[We’re here] to show the students the spirit of cooperation — that we’re all here to help the campus out,” Winkler said. “We’re here to assist in any way we can.”

Students were offered a chance to partake in many activities, including a car crash simulator brought by Highway Patrol, exploring fire trucks and ambulances from Cape Girardeau city and county response teams and deploying a Class K fire extinguisher, which is used for hotter fires, such as when metal catches on fire.

Since the event was held during common hour, many students passing through enjoyed walking by the variety of tents and speaking to the people present.

DPS and local response teams plans to host another Safety Day event next year, according to Winkler. For more information about campus safety, visit https://semo.edu/dps/.

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