Today@Sam Article

Kat Safety Bash Returns Sept. 28

Sept. 21, 2021
SHSU Media Contact: Wes Hamilton

Story by Mikah Boyd

September is National Campus Safety Awareness Month, making it the perfect time for Sam Houston State University to work with the community to host the Kat Safety Bash.

For the past seven years, the SHSU University Police Department has put on this event in collaboration with various organizations, on and off campus, to keep the Bearkat community engaged with first responders.

UPD Officer Jeff Butterworth is looking forward to making this Kat Safety Bash on Sept. 28 one to remember after missing the opportunity to host it last year.

“Unfortunately, we were unable to host this event last year due to safety protocols,” Butterworth said. “We are extremely excited to bring this great event back to the campus once again. Any opportunity we can engage with our university population in a personable environment is absolutely something we enjoy.”

This year, there will be almost 50 vendors and partners coming to the Kat Safety Bash to host presentations and support the event and its mission of safety awareness. Groups like the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Brazos Valley Injury Prevention Coalition, Huntsville Fire Department and Snag’s Wrecker Service, will host demonstrations and present displays that simulate real-life situations for students and community members. These demonstrations range from K9 bomb detection to a mock dorm room fire demonstration, with other engaging displays in between.  

“Our general focus is any safety related topic,” Butterworth said. “We will cover topics that relate to fire safety, alcohol/drug abuse awareness, sexual assault/domestic violence awareness, seatbelt and vehicle safety, interactions with law enforcement and community public safety involvement (CERT, Blood Donation, etc.), weapons safety, and more.”

Just as vendors and organizations in the university community are invited to the event, so too is everyone within the Huntsville/Walker County communities. To ensure fun for everyone, the evening will include a bingo raffle featuring various prizes to be presented at the conclusion of the event.

“Even if you have attended a previous Kat Safety Bash, we can ensure that each year is different,” Butterworth said. “When this event first originated, it was hosted at the Bearkat Plaza in front of the Lowman Student Center. This event has grown consistently throughout the years and has transitioned to the coliseum parking lot.”

The Kat Safety Bash will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 28. For more information and to stay up to date on university safety, follow UPD on social media @SHSUPD or visit their webpage.

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