May 3, 2007

Emergency sirens test also serves as reminder

Purdue University urges the public to use that opportunity to reflect on the fact that these sirens are for far more than tornadoes.

"In the wake of the Virginia Tech tragedy, we are reminding people that the outdoor all-hazard warning sirens are a first line of emergency notification to alert everyone in the community," said Carol A. Shelby, senior director of environmental health and safety. "The sirens can alert people to not only weather emergencies, but to any situation in which they should take shelter."

The sirens are part of Purdue's emergency alert plan.

"If the sirens sound at any time other than a test, everyone should go to the lowest level of the building they are in," Shelby said. "At Purdue, they should check with their building deputy, consult the Purdue home page, Facebook, news media and e-mail to learn the nature of the problem."

In case of an emergency, everyone should remain in place until the all-clear message is broadcast that the emergency has passed, Shelby said.

Writer: Christy Jones, (765) 494-1089, christyjones@purdue.edu

Source: Carol A. Shelby, (765) 494-7504, cshelby@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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