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The University’s emergency sirens will sound on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 6:30 p.m. This is a test of the Alert Carolina system, which is part of the University’s ongoing safety awareness campaign.

No action is required.

While the University tests the sirens each semester to make sure the equipment works properly—and the first test was a success—this second test is required because new equipment installed at DPS Emergency Communication Center and ITS Control Center need to be tested. The only way to test this update is to have an alarm activation. Carolina also has never conducted an evening siren test. It is prudent to have an evening test to ensure overall readiness on campus.

During the test, anyone outside on or near campus will probably hear the sirens (The sirens are not designed to be heard inside or while you are in a vehicle). The sirens will sound an alert tone along with a brief pre-recorded voice message. When testing is complete, a different siren tone and voice message will signal “All clear. Resume regular activities.”

The sirens sound only for a major emergency or an immediate safety or health threat, such as an armed and dangerous person on or near campus; a major chemical spill or hazard; tornado warning for the Chapel Hill-Carrboro area issued by the National Weather Service; or a different emergency, as determined by the Department of Public Safety. Be prepared to go inside or take cover immediately in a real emergency.

The University also sends test text messages to anyone who has registered a cell phone number in the online campus directory.

For more information about Alert Carolina, including audio samples of the siren tones and details about using the American Red Cross Safe and Well List to communicate with family members outside the emergency area, see http://alertcarolina.unc.edu. A mobile-friendly version of the Alert Carolina website can be found at http://m.alertcarolina.unc.edu/.

Published by October 26, 2015.