UNC Emergency Alert System Siren Test on Wednesday

The University’s Department of Public Safety will test a newly installed UNC Emergency Alert System Siren on Wednesday, Dec. 19, between noon and 1 p.m.

The University’s siren system will sound during an immediate life-threatening situation such as an armed and dangerous person in the area, a major chemical spill or hazard, or a tornado.

During the test, people on or near campus will briefly hear the siren sound during full-volume testing. Siren locations are at the Hinton James Residence Hall off Manning Drive; the Gary R. Tomkins Chilled Water Operations Center behind the Dogwood Parking Deck; Winston Residence Hall at the corner of Raleigh Street and South Road; and at Airport Drive near UNC buildings and support facilities north of main campus off Martin Luther King Boulevard.

After the siren sounds, a recorded public address announcement will say, “This is a test of the UNC Emergency Alert System. This is only a test.” When the test is over, the siren will sound again along with a public address announcement saying, “All clear. UNC police have issued an all clear. Resume regular activities.”

No action is required for this test, part of a training exercise to ensure the siren system works properly. The University will also notify campus neighbors about the test in advance. Activation of the siren system coincides with the spring 2008 launch of Alert Carolina, an initiative for the University community covering campus safety issues and what you should do in an emergency. Details about the campaign launch, including another full-volume siren test, will be announced later.

In an emergency, the public address announcements made in conjunction with the siren sounding would provide instructions including:

• Seek shelter inside now.
• Close windows and doors. 
• Stay until further notice.

When the danger is over, the siren system and public address announcement will signal all clear. To learn more about the UNC Emergency Alert System Siren and see photos, go to http://universityrelations.unc.edu/alert/sirenfacts.php