Media Advisory
Just a Test: NC State to Test Audible Warning System
Media Contact(s)
Mick Kulikowski, News Services, (919) 515-8387
Dec. 19, 2007
Information for media
As part of its continuing emergency communications and notification efforts, North Carolina State University will be installing and testing an audible warning system in late December and early January.
The audible warning system consists of 11 towers positioned throughout campus. Speakers on these towers have the capability of transmitting siren and voice alerts approximately a half-mile away from each tower.
Anyone on campus or in nearby neighborhoods during the testing period will hear several pulsed tones as well as "all clear" alerts and testing of the voice capability. These will not be indicators of a real emergency.
Once installed, if the audible warning system is activated for an emergency situation, a pulsed tone lasting for 30 seconds followed by a short message will be heard. The sequence will be repeated three times.
The addition of the audible alert system is part of NC State's commitment to regular review of its emergency communications and notifications procedures.
Additional guidance on emergency communication and recommended actions such as sheltering in place are available at the NC State Emergency Web site at www.ncsu.edu/emergency-information.
In addition to the installation tests, a monthly test will be performed at noon on the first Monday of each month. This will be a short functional test using the "all clear" chime. Also, a full-volume test of the entire system will be conducted quarterly, utilizing the emergency pulsed tone.
Besides the audible alert system, NC State advises the campus community of emergency operating conditions through home page messages, e-mail blasts, a campus hotline and a network of building liaisons in all campus buildings. The university also will be testing a text-message system for faculty, staff and students in the future.
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