KU to test emergency alert system Sept. 22

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas will conduct a campuswide test of its emergency public address system at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22.

The public address system is part of a comprehensive emergency notification system at KU. During the test, a 3-second alert tone will sound, followed by the test message. Building occupants should continue with normal activities during the test.

Speakers for the public address system have been installed in and around 84 buildings, reaching 98 percent of KU’s academic areas. The buildings comprise the highest concentration of students, faculty and staff.

In case of inclement weather, the test will be postponed until 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29.

Other facets of the university’s emergency management system:

• Text message alerts: For students, the system is “opt-out,” meaning student cell phone numbers are automatically subscribed to the system unless the student unsubscribes. Faculty and staff can sign up at sa.ku.edu.
• Email alerts: The university’s emergency broadcast email system can reach about 33,000 KU email accounts.
• Webpage 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.