The University of Toledo has updated its mass notification system to provide additional information to its existing emergency communication efforts.
In addition to a traditional siren, the system now utilizes a speaker that will sound a pre-recorded or live voice message from campus police informing those in the building of a campus emergency and providing them with appropriate instructions.
“Knowing what to do in an emergency increases the likelihood of you and those around you staying safe and also helps emergency responders perform their duties,” UT Police Chief Jeff Newton said. “The mass notification system provides a tremendous enhancement to the University’s long-standing emergency communication abilities.”
Mass notices sent through the notification system may include weather alerts, such as tornadoes, or other campus emergencies. Messages can be sent campus-wide or targeted to a specific building or buildings.
“The system is currently installed in all residence halls and in about 70 percent of all buildings on campus,” said Jim Graff, director of facilities operations. “We are working on updating other buildings, including Bowman-Oddy Laboratories, Wolfe Hall, Carlson Library and Sullivan Hall. Those should be up and running by fall 2014.”
