KU to test emergency alert systems Aug. 28

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas will test its emergency text message and public address systems at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 28.

Students, faculty and staff who have signed up for text alerts will receive a message stating: "THIS IS A TEST of the KU Alert text messaging system for situations of imminent danger on campus. This is only a TEST."

A public address system is also part of the comprehensive emergency notification system at KU. During the test, a three-second alert tone will sound, followed by the test message. Building occupants should continue with normal activities during the tests.

Speakers for the public address system have been installed in and around 82 buildings, reaching 98 percent of KU's academic areas. The buildings comprise the highest concentration of students, faculty and staff.

The public address system allows emergency dispatchers in the 911 center to provide real-time voice messages to an individual building, a group of buildings or to all equipped buildings.
In the case of inclement weather, the test will be rescheduled to Aug. 30.

Facets of the university's multitiered emergency notification strategy:
• Text message alerts: More than 20,000 students, faculty and staff are signed up to receive emergency text messages. Those who have not yet signed up are encouraged to do so online.
• Email alerts: The university's emergency broadcast email system can reach about 33,000 KU e-mail accounts.
• Web page alerts: The university will use alert.ku.edu as a centralized location for information updates.
• The university has established protocols to use local media to help inform the public in the event of an ongoing crisis.

The university also maintains the 864-SNOW hotline that is activated if bad weather forces the delay or cancellation of classes or the closure of campus.