DukeALERT System Test On March 22
Outdoor sirens will include a tone-only warning during system-wide functional test
As part of its emergency preparedness plans, Duke will test the DukeALERT mass notification system on Wednesday, March 22.
Beginning at 10 a.m., outdoor warning sirens will sound and the emergency DukeALERT website will be activated. Shortly afterward, faculty, all students and staff will receive a test email. In addition, a text message will be sent to the cell phones of all students and those staff who have registered to receive the service. Registering for text messaging is simple for those who have not yet signed up. More information is available on the DukeALERT website. Duke's information line 919-684-INFO will also provide a recorded message during the text.
What to do during an emergencyWhen the sirens wail for a test or emergency situation, Duke community members and visitors who are outside will only hear a tone as part of the alert, which may be repeated during real emergencies. The siren tone is considered an "all hazards" alert to get the community's attention and will be activated for any type of emergency that requires people to take shelter immediately.
Since this is a functional test of the system, Duke community members do not need to seek shelter or evacuate. Instead, they should take time to understand how they will be notified in the event of a life-threatening emergency like a tornado sighting or active shooter on campus. Visit the DukeALERT site for details about how to respond to different emergency scenarios.
As part of the test, Duke community members are encouraged to respond to an online survey to assess the effectiveness of various DukeALERT communication methods. The survey will be posted on the DukeALERT website once the test begins.
Survey results will help determine how people were notified, methods that work best for different groups and whether staff members know their severe weather/emergency conditions service category. The results will also help identify areas for improvement.
Duke community members are encouraged to download Duke's LiveSafe mobile safety app for real-time, two-way communication with Duke Police. LiveSafe is available for free download through Apple and Android app stores.
Note: Post a flier in your area to help promote the test and encourage faculty and staff to register for DukeALERT text messaging.
