As part of a continuing emphasis on campus safety, ETSU will test its outdoor warning system on Wednesday, April 29, at 10 a.m. The system is designed to communicate quickly with the entire campus in case of an emergency.
The siren system consists of three large public address speakers placed strategically on the main ETSU campus and on the adjacent James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Center campus.
When the system sounds on April 29, a siren will wail followed by this message: “Attention! This is a test of the ETSU Emergency Alert System. This is only a test.”
During the testing, people near the two Johnson City campuses may also hear the sirens. This exercise is designed to ensure that the sirens work properly, and no action is required on the part of listeners.
ETSU’s outdoor warning system can emit a tone, such as a siren, or a voice message that delivers certain specific instructions. The various situations for which the system might actually be activated include a dangerous person in the area, a major chemical spill or hazard, or a tornado or similar severe weather conditions. An actual siren warning will be accompanied by brief recorded public address announcements with instructions such as “Go inside” or “Take cover now,” in the event of an approaching tornado, for example. When the threat has passed, a second siren activation and announcement will signal “All clear. Resume normal activities.”
To ensure that the campus community and the surrounding neighborhoods are aware of the outdoor warning system and its operation, ETSU will continue to provide advance notification of any testing.

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