The annual Zombie Preparedness Festival, put on by Campus Safety, is back for a second year after a successful inaugural event. This year, the event, which focuses on emergency preparedness and safety, is set for 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 3, outside Notre Dame Stadium, Gate E.
Hundreds of faculty, staff, and students took part in the first Zombie Preparedness Festival last year. The event highlights included members of the Notre Dame Police Department and Notre Dame Fire Departments transformed into “zombies,” thanks to creative makeup (and some good acting). This year, Revs. Pete McCormick, C.S.C., and Nate Wills, C.S.C., are getting in on the fun!
“We use zombies as a fun way to engage all faculty, staff, and students on our campus in the idea that ‘if you’re prepared for zombies, you’re prepared for any emergency,’” says Tracy Skibins, senior director of emergency management and global safety and security. “Of course we don’t expect zombies at Notre Dame, but we do expect everyone to collectively be as prepared as possible for emergency situations, because that is the best way to keep our community safe.”
Attendees of this year’s Zombie Preparedness Festival will again be able to visit dozens of booths and tables for safety information, demonstrations, and giveaways. Demonstrations include fire extinguisher use, AEDs, CPR, first aid basics, and more. There will also be food, giveaways, and prizes, including gift cards, parking passes, football tickets, a stay at the Morris Inn, and a Marcus Freeman–signed football. Free T-shirts will be given out, as supplies last.
Representatives from the following Notre Dame departments will be on hand: police, including the K-9 unit and drone operators; fire; Risk Management (lab safety); the Office of Information Technology (cybersecurity); Campus Dining; Notre Dame Global (travel safety); Sustainability; and more. Visit South Bend Mishawaka, St. Joseph County Emergency Management Agency, South Bend Police Department, American Red Cross, and other community businesses and organizations will also take part.
Check out the video below to see highlights of last year’s Zombie Preparedness Festival.