DukeALERT System Test is Wednesday, Oct. 16
As part of its emergency preparedness plans, Duke will test its mass notification system
As part of its emergency preparedness plans, Duke will test the DukeALERT mass notification system on Wednesday, Oct. 16.
Just after 10 a.m., the outdoor warning sirens will sound across the main campus in Durham. Beforehand, all faculty, students and staff will receive a DukeALERT test email encouraging them to review what to do in the event of a real emergency. In addition, a text message will be sent to the cell phones of all students, as well as faculty and staff who have registered to receive the service. Duke's information line (919) 684-INFO will provide a recorded message, and the emergency DukeALERT website will be activated.
When the sirens wail for a test or emergency situation, Duke community members and visitors who are outside will 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.
“The most important thing we can each do is know what to do in the event of an emergency,” said Kyle Cavanuagh, vice president for administration and Duke University’s emergency coordinator. “That is why we take the time to test the system and ask people to consider in advance where they might shelter in place or evacuate, if necessary.”
Specific steps are outlined on the DukeALERT website for different emergency scenarios from hurricanes and tornados to an active shooter.
When the sirens go off in a real campus emergency, community members should consider the acronym, "S.O.S.": Seek shelter immediately, Obtain information from DukeALERT emails and text messages and emergency.duke.edu and Stay tuned for further instructions.
Starting today through 5 p.m. Oct. 21, participate in the LiveSafe "Refer a Friend" contest for a chance at Amazon gift card prizes.
Download and post this flier to help promote and raise awareness about the test.