Emergency alert systems test rescheduled to March 10
LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas' participation in a statewide tornado drill has been rescheduled to next week.
At noon Monday, March 10, the KU Lawrence and Edwards campuses will test the KU Alerts mass notification system and the emergency address system. At the same time, Douglas County Emergency Management will activate outdoor warning sirens.
During this time, a three-second alert tone will sound in and around KU buildings. A test message will follow the alert. Additionally, email and text message alerts will be sent, and alerts will be posted on the website and social media accounts.
Building occupants should continue with normal activities during the test but are encouraged to think about places to take shelter and the best possible exits during an emergency.
Severe Weather Awareness Week
The emergency alert system tests are part of Severe Weather Awareness Week, an annual outreach campaign sponsored by the National Weather Service to raise awareness of severe weather hazards.
On March 13, KU Emergency Management will partner with Douglas County Emergency Management to host a Severe Weather Night to share information on preparing for severe weather.
The National Weather Service will give a presentation on thunderstorm features and safety. Additionally, participants can sign up for free emergency alerts and buy a weather radio, which can be programmed for free on-site. The event will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Capitol Federal Building in Room 1111.
Preparing for Emergencies
KU faculty and staff can sign up to receive emergency text messages from KU and manage their cell phone number through the Employee Emergency Notification app at myKU Portal. Students are automatically subscribed to receive emergency text messages and can manage their cell phone number at Enroll and Pay.
The university will send out an alert for tornado warnings within the Lawrence city limits. For notification about other severe weather events, such as flooding, winter weather or thunderstorms, using multiple sources, including a free call notification system, local media and the National Weather Service, is encouraged.
In the event of an actual tornado warning, those in campus buildings are directed to take shelter in the lowest floor possible, ideally the basement, and in an interior room away from external windows and doors. Buildings throughout campus have signage providing instructions on what to do during severe weather events.