DukeALERT System Test on Wednesday, Oct. 19

Knowing what to do in an emergency is the biggest factor to staying safe, which is one of the reasons Duke conducts multiple tests of its emergency notification system each year.

The next test takes place on Wednesday, Oct. 19 at 10 a.m., and all members of the Duke community are urged to take a few minutes to be prepared and review the necessary steps in the event of an evacuation procedure.

If you are ordered to evacuate a building:

• Take essential personal items (phone, wallet, keys, etc.), but leave all non-essential belongings behind.
• Leave the building immediately and proceed a safe distance away.
• Help those who need assistance and individuals with disabilities, if possible.
• Convene at the designated Emergency Assembly Points.
• Attempt to account for everyone who was in the building.

During the test all faculty, students and staff will receive a test email, and a text message will be sent to the mobile devices of all students, faculty, and staff who have registered to receive the service. Registering for text messaging is simple for those who have not yet signed up. Duke's information line (919) 684-INFO will also provide a recorded message during the test.

After emails and text messages are distributed, the sirens that comprise the outdoor warning system will sound. The siren’s 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,” said Chloe Hallberg, executive director of Business Continuing and Emergency Management.  “However, Duke community members should take the 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.”

Community members area also encouraged to download the free mobile safety app, LiveSafe, through the Apple App Store or Google Play. LiveSafe allows users to send real-time tips through the touch of a button to Duke Police, which monitors messages 24/7. And with the “SafeWalk” feature on the app, users can invite friends to “virtually escort” them to a destination on a real-time map.

A system test is conducted during the spring and fall semesters and during the summer when the audience is significantly different with various camps and programs on campus.

Note: Post this flier in your office to help raise awareness in advance about the scheduled test on Wednesday.