Testing to begin for voice annunciation emergency notification system

Western Washington University has a project to connect much of our campus to an Emergency Mass Notification system that works with our existing fire annunciation systems. Testing of the new notification system starts on Tuesday, Dec. 14. Western will broadcast test voice messages through our campus fire alarm systems.

Note: These are test messages only.

At the beginning and ending of each test period, a voice announcement will broadcast through the fire alarm system speakers to inform occupants that “this is a test.” Strobe lights will flash in most academic and administrative building corridors and restrooms to alert the hearing impaired and fire alarms will be activated. Fire alarms are very noisy and occupants may wish to leave during the testing. The test message will be very specific that it is a test. If an actual emergency occurs during the testing period, an emergency message will broadcast and occupants must leave immediately.

A building-by-building testing schedule is below.

PW604 Voice Annunciation System

(Mass Notification System) Testing Schedule

Bldg

Date of Test

Approximate Duration in Hours

Bldg

Date of Test

Approximate Duration in Hours

FA

Dec. 14

0.5

AA

Dec. 17

1

FB

Dec. 14

0.5

AC

Dec. 17

2

FP

Dec. 14

0.5

FI

Dec. 17

2

FD

Dec. 14

0.5

FR

Dec. 17

2

FE

Dec. 14

0.5

BH

Dec. 20

4

FF

Dec. 14

0.5

CV

Dec. 20

3

FQ

Dec. 14

0.5

AI

Dec. 21

3

FH

Dec. 14

0.5

AW

Dec. 21

1

FO

Dec. 14

0.5

CF

Dec. 21

3

FJ

Dec. 14

0.5

AH

Dec. 22

2

FK

Dec. 14

0.5

BI

Dec. 22

0.5

FL/FM

Dec. 14

0.5

CB

Dec. 22

2

OM

Dec. 15

1

PH

Dec. 22

2

SV

Dec. 15

1

PP

Dec. 23

1.5

VU

Dec. 15

1

SL

Dec. 23

1.5

EH

Dec. 15

1

SP

Dec. 23

0.5

RG

Dec. 15

1

BT

Dec. 23

0.5

CH

Dec. 16

1.5

AL

Dec. 28

1

CS

Dec. 16

2

CA

Dec. 28

1

PA

Dec. 16

0.5

OUTDOOR

Dec. 28

3

WL

Dec. 16

4

ES

 

Testing will be scheduled later

BTA

 

Testing will be scheduled later

ET

 

Testing will be scheduled later

HH

 

Testing will be scheduled later

HU

 

Testing will be scheduled later

Your patience is appreciated as WWU tests this system. More information about the new system will be forthcoming from the Environmental Health & Safety Department.

Contacts:

  • Jeff Maurer, project manager, (360) 650-3260 for questions about installation and testing
  • Gayle Shipley, director, EHS, (360) 650-6512 for questions about emergency planning or how this system fits into the Western Alert notification system.