From Oct. 12 to Oct. 15, the Sonoma State University Police Department will be holding safety week to give law enforcement and students the opportunity to interact while informing the student body about how to be safer in everyday life. 

“The week-long event showcases the various agencies and offers educational opportunities in areas such as information security, safety, alcohol and drug abuse, crime prevention, self-defense, emergency management and sexual assault prevention,” said Nathan Johnson, chief of police at Sonoma State. 

Through these events, the police hope to provide education to the campus community on how to lead safer lives both on and off campus. 

“The interactions throughout the week will hopefully build partnerships and trust with our community partners and create an opportunity for open dialogue and candid conversation,” Johnson said. 

The week begins with a question and answer session with the chief of police at Charlie Brown’s on Oct. 12. At 10 a.m., the chief will welcome students to have a cup of coffee and ask any questions one has ever had for an officer. From the law enforcement system to how to be safer, students can get all the information that they need. 

At 12 p.m. that same day, the week’s official kick off event will be held on the main quad. There will be emergency vehicles driving around the quad and a tabling event that will have information about all the events in the coming week and will be staffed by people who can answer all of your questions. 

Also at 12 p.m. on Oct. 12, The Sonoma County Bike Coalition will hold a session about bicycle safety and offer free bike registration. 

On the Oct. 13,  a free self-defense class which will help students protect themselves if they’re in a dangerous situation will be offered. It will be held in the Recreation Center at 11:30 a.m. 

At noon, there will be tabling in the main quad. The table will be staffed with people answering questions about sexual assault, how to prevent it and any other questions one may have.

On Oct. 14 at 12:30 p.m.  a car that was destroyed in a real DUI accident will be on display. The Rancho Adobe Fire Department will be on site to answer any questions students may have and to demonstrate the process of extricating passengers from vehicles that have experienced collisions because of DUI accidents. 

At 6 p.m. that evening in the Recreation Center there will be a demonstration with drunk goggles so one can see first hand how intoxication impairs your ability to do everyday tasks. 

The week wraps up with tabling on the quad on Oct. 15 at noon. Ask questions and get information on how to be the most prepared that you can be for a natural disaster. 

Learn what students need to have in a disaster kit, how to safely evacuate a building and what ones best plan of action is in an earthquake or other natural disaster. 

According to Johnson, around 1,000 people participated in Sonoma State’s safety week last year and he’s hoping to have an even better turn out in Safety Week’s second year. 

“We have participants from other campuses, local agencies and CHP will be flying in with their helicopter for a demonstration as well,” Johnson said. “SSU Faculty, staff and students, and others can participate as well.” 

To get the listed full schedule of the events visit seawolfliving.com