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UNC Asheville to conduct routine test of emergency notification system December 15

December 13, 2010

UNC Asheville's Department of Public Safety will conduct a test of its emergency notification system, including the campus Outdoor Emergency Siren, between 11 a.m. and noon Wednesday, Dec. 15. This is a routine test in accordance with the University’s emergency notification maintenance and testing protocols.

The test will include e-mails, voice and text messages to students, faculty and staff, and audible siren sounds from rooftop speakers on University buildings. The campus community as well as neighborhoods adjacent to campus may hear intermittent warning tones and spoken announcements. This test is to assess the volume and range of the system. Other than during routine testing, the audible warning system would only be used if there were an active threat to the safety of the campus, such as a tornado, explosion, nearby hazardous materials spill or threat of violence.

The City of Asheville is assisting the university with Wednesday's test by notifying adjacent residents and business owners through the city's emergency notification service CodeRED. The CodeRED system delivers customized pre-recorded telephone messages to targeted geographic areas.

“UNC Asheville appreciates the understanding and cooperation from both the campus community and our Asheville neighbors as we work to stay ready for emergency situations,” said Eric Boyce, UNC Asheville director of public safety.