UNC Charlotte will test its emergency alert systems between 2 and 3 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 9. These systems include the three sirens located at Atkins Library, between EPIC and Grigg Hall and behind the Facilities Management/Police and Public Safety Building and “active crawl” software activated by PIER.
For the sirens, a loud tone will be followed by an audible message to inform the campus community of the test and that no actual emergency has occurred. While some information transmitted through the sirens may be heard indoors, the sirens are intended to inform campus community members who are outside.
The active crawl software is connected to the PIER Emergency Alert System. In the event of a “red alert,” indicating an imminent threat to the campus community, the software will activate a red banner scroll containing emergency information on nearly 1,000 plasma televisions and smart podiums on campus and at UNC Charlotte Center City, as well as on the University’s website. During the Oct. 9 exercise, the active crawl banner will indicate that a test of the UNC Charlotte Emergency Alert System is in progress.
Such tests occur periodically throughout the year as part of the University’s emergency preparedness program. This is only a test and should require no special action. Direct questions to the Police and Public Safety Department at 704-687-8300.