Western to test emergency mass notification system during spring break

A project is under way at Western Washington University that aims to connect much of the campus to an emergency mass notification system that works with the existing fire annunciation systems.

This on-campus voice notification system is part of the Western Alert emergency notification system, which also sends e-mail, text (SMS) and text-to-voice phone messages to faculty, staff and community members.

Testing of both the on-campus voice notification system and the fire alarm systems will take place in the following buildings during spring break, March 21 to 25, between 3 p.m. and 11 p.m.:

• Communications Facility
• Environmental Studies
• Haggard Hall
• Humanities
• Ross Engineering Technology

Outdoor speakers at the Campus Services Facility, Old Main and the Academic Instructional Center (east wing) also will be tested.

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.

Occupants are not required to exit buildings; however, they may choose to do so while the fire alarms are sounding.

Facilities Management appreciates your patience as they test this system.

Contact info:

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