DukeALERT Emergency Test on March 19 to Focus on Tornado Safety

Tornadoes are more common during the months of March, April and May in North Carolina

Duke Alert graphic

Update: March 3, 2025: The DukeALERT test has been moved to March 19 due to the potential of severe weather on the original test date of March 5.

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Original post: Because tornadoes are more common during the months of March, April and May in North Carolina, Duke officials are asking students, faculty and staff to review tornado procedures and identify shelter locations as part of its DukeALERT test on March 5.

The test will begin at 10 a.m. and will include activation of emergency communications such as text message, email, website, digital signs, and the outdoor warning sirens.

Tornado watches are issued when conditions could produce a tornado, and tornado warnings are issued when a tornado has been spotted or indicated on radar. In the event of a tornado warning that includes Duke’s main campus in Durham, the outdoor warning system will be activated.

The outdoor warning sirens will be as part of the test on Wednesday. Its 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.

Emergency text messages can quickly notify the Duke community when a tornado warning is issued. Students are automatically enrolled in emergency text messaging during class registration, but faculty and staff must register for DukeALERT text messages through the Duke@Work self-service website.

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 and what to do during a life-threatening emergency.

Duke community members are also encouraged to download Duke's LiveSafe mobile safety app for real-time, two-way communication with Duke Police. LiveSafe is available for free 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 emergency text messaging.