What is the AlertSU Outdoor Warning System?
The AlertSU Outdoor Warning System consists of a network of seven locations across campus equipped with speakers geographically distributed across the main campus. Three locations have pole mounted speakers and four are mounted on the tops of buildings.
When will the AlertSU Outdoor Warning system be used?
The AlertSU Outdoor Warning System will be used to notify the community of an immediate life safety situation when taking action will improve your personal safety. Examples of situations in which the system might be employed include:
An armed and dangerous person on campus
A major chemical or biological hazard with the potential to affect a large segment of the campus
Any situation with the potential to cause significant harm to members of the campus community
Emergency management personnel will respond to an event, assess the situation and determine whether use of an AlertSU tool is appropriate.
Additionally, the system will be tested twice a year once in the Fall and once in the Spring. Regularly schedules tests will be announced in advance to the campus and surrounding communities.
What will the system sound like? What should I expect to hear?
When the system is activated, it will produce a warning tone followed by voice instructions directing you to take specific action to improve your safety. When emergency officials determine that the threat is over, an "all clear" tone and message will be activated, indicating that it is safe to resume normal activities.
What should I do when I hear the siren?
Immediately stop and listen for additional instructions. Be prepared to act either by evacuating or seeking shelter in a secure location. After you are in a safer location, seek additional information by accessing one of the university emergency broadcast systems:
Emergency information hotline 650-725-5555
Emergency website http://emergency.stanford.edu
KZSU 90.1 FM
Where are the sirens located?
There are seven sirens on the Stanford campus. They are located at:
The blue area on the linked map indicates a minimum coverage of 70 decibels (db). 70db equates to approximately a normal conversation at three feet. Click here to view complete campus coverage map.
Where will I hear the sirens?
The sirens have been designed and placed to allow for campus-wide coverage. The high intensity sound can travel up to one-half a mile from each pole. Sound range may vary based on location and conditions, such as terrain, buildings, weather, and outdoor noise. Neighbors in close proximity to campus may hear the system when it is activated and can check http://emergency.stanford.edu or the University Information Hotline at (650) 725-5555 for more information.
When will the sirens be tested?
The sirens will be tested once in the fall after students return to campus and once in the spring. Dates of tests will be placed on the university emergency website, http://emergency.stanford.edu and on the AlertSU system homepage http://alertsu.stanford.edu. To receive advance notice of siren tests via email, send a blank email to: alertsu_publicnotice-join@lists.stanford.edu .
Will I hear the sirens indoors?
Possibly. The system is designed to notify people who are outdoors. For those indoors and in other areas where the sirens are not audible, Stanford has already implements the AlertSU mass notification system. The mass notification system provides direct contact via text messages, phone contact and email alerts for Stanford community members whose information is in the system. It will be important for those who do hear the siren to alert those who may not have heard it. Spread the word.
Do other schools have systems like this?
Yes, many other campuses have installed or are planning to install similar systems including UC Berkeley, UCLA, Washington State, Duke, Brown, and North Carolina just to name a few.
