Emergency notification system begins Tuesday

The University starts its expanded radio Emergency Notification System on Tuesday, April 5. The new system utilizes 150 hand-held radios and provides a more effective method for receiving weather warnings and other emergency statements.

The radios -- which will be placed in buildings throughout campus -- can be picked up from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday, March 31, at the Center for Environmental Health and Safety building, 1325 Radio Drive, which is between Greek Row and McLafferty Road.

The radios replace an 11-year-old telephone calling tree that reached 75 locations on campus -- and relied on individuals answering the phone to receive the warning. The radios are pre-set to receive information via Department of Public Safety telecommunicators. The transmissions are on a specific UHF frequency for emergency purposes only.

The first test of the new system is scheduled for 10 a.m., April 5. The plan is to conduct tests the first Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m., said police officer and Disaster Resource Coordinator Deb Cocke.

The best location for the scanner is in or near an office area where there most likely will be people present to hear the message and begin notifying building occupants. Several buildings will have more than one scanner.

Radios also are being distributed to campus facilities at Southern Illinois Airport, Touch of Nature Environmental Center, and the Coal Research Center and Automotive Technology Center in Carterville.

For more information, visit Emergency Notification System, which was funded by the Chancellor’s office and the Department of Public Safety.