Voice annunciation system to be tested May 12

A project is under way at Western Washington University to connect campus to an emergency mass notification system system that utilizes existing fire annunciation systems in campus buildings.

These systems are part of the overall Western Alert system that allows for notification of the campus community in the event of an emergency.

Testing of the voice and fire alarm systems will take place from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m. May 12 in College Hall, Haggard Hall and the Physical Plant.

Outdoor speakers at the Campus Services Facility, Old Main and the Academic Instructional Center (east wing) also will be tested from 5 to 7 p.m. the same day.

At the beginning and ending of each test period, a voice announcement will broadcast through the fire alarm system speakers to inform occupants of the 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. Occupants are not required to exit buildings but may choose to do so while the fire alarms are sounding.

For more information, contact Jeff Maurer, manager of the project, at (360) 650-3260. For info about installation and testing, contact Gayle Shipley, director of Environmental Health and Safety, at (360) 650-6512.