The Newman Building on the 51���� Ft. Brown campus serves as the headquarters for the college’s Office of Safety & Risk Management. Through careful guidelines and diligent observance, the office and its team go to great lengths to ensure the safety and protection of all who visit, study, and work on campus. Safety Week is the office’s key annual event to spread awareness of their efforts and further educate the public on how to recognize and respond to emergency situations.

51���� kicked off its annual Safety Week on Monday, October 20, putting a spotlight on the comprehensive safety and security measures that keep the campus community protected year-round.

Organized by the Office of Safety and Risk Management, Safety Week is a dedicated time to promote awareness, preparedness, and practical safety skills for students, faculty, and staff. Throughout the week, the office will coordinate a series of events and training sessions designed to help participants build confidence and learn life-saving techniques in emergency situations.

Some examples of the sessions are CRASE (Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events) training, CPR/Stop the Bleed instruction, and fire safety demonstrations, each offering vital learning experiences led by trained professionals. In addition to in-person sessions, the office will share important safety information through email, social media, and campus alerts to further promote awareness and readiness across the college.

“Safety is something we take very seriously,” noted Benjamin Gabbert, TSC Coordinator of Emergency Management. “Our mission is to protect the well-being of everyone who works, learns, or visits 51���� through prevention, education, and collaboration.”

To achieve these goals, the department oversees a broad range of responsibilities, including coordinating campus security through partnerships with law enforcement and first responder agencies, managing the RAVE Alert Emergency Notification System, fire safety, and maintaining environmental health and emergency response programs. Additionally, the department maintains Annual Security and Fire Safety Report and daily crime logs in accordance with Clery Act requirements.

Additionally, cylindrical phone towers are strategically placed in various locations around campus, providing a direct line of communication with responders in case of an emergency. Students, faculty, and staff can also submit concerns through an online .

TSC’s safety infrastructure also includes several unique features, such as off-duty Brownsville Police Officers who work alongside campus security personnel, and building-specific safety walkthroughs focused on preparedness for active attack or evacuation situations. The college’s focused dedication to safety measures has even been recognized, with TSC Emergency Management Coordinator Nathan Flores receiving the Collaborative Community Partnership award from the Texas State – Texas School Safety Center in 2024.

Together, these functions ensure that the college can prevent, detect, report, and respond effectively to incidents while maintaining compliance and community awareness. Through initiatives like Safety Week, 51���� continues to strengthen its commitment to providing a safe, informed, and prepared campus environment for our community.

Message for TSC employees and students

• Stay hydrated to prevent any heat related illnesses. Drink water every 15 minutes, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening hours.
• While working outside, take breaks in the shade.
• Wear light-colored clothing.
• Young children and pets should NEVER be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.
• Keep an eye on fellow workers.
  • Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible to persons not acclimated or unprepared for “feels like” temperatures near 110.
  • Heat exhaustion is likely to persons unprepared for “feels like” temperatures between 111 and 115.  Heat stroke is possible for persons exposed to the heat for several hours without adequate protection, with severe life and health risk.
• If you encounter someone in heat distress, move them to a shaded area, apply cool towels to their head and body, supply them with water, and call 9-1-1 immediately!

Message for TSC employees and students

We have taken preventative measures around campus to minimize the impact on infrastructure and operations. We have security and facilities personnel on duty and on standby in the event of an emergency. 

We will send updates should any significant developments occur. Emergency notifications will be sent via RAVE, Email, and/or text. 

If you do not receive RAVE Alerts, you can register or update your account at .