What is the AlertSU Outdoor Warning System?
The AlertSU Outdoor Warning System consists of seven sirens with speakers geographically distributed across the main campus.
When will the AlertSU Outdoor Warning system be used?
The AlertSU Outdoor Warning System will be used to notify the community of an
immediate life safety situation. Examples of situations in which the system might be
employed include:
An armed and dangerous person on campus
A major chemical or biological hazard with potential to affect a large segment of the
campus
Any situation with the potential to cause significant harm to the campus community
Additionally, the system will need to be tested twice a year.
What will the system sound like? What should I expect to hear?
When the system is activated, it will produce a warning tone followed by voice
instructions directing you to take specific action to protect your safety. When emergency
officials determine that the threat is over, an “all clear” tone and message will be
activated, indicating that it is safe to resume normal activities.
What should I do when I hear the siren?
Immediately stop and listen for additional instructions. Be prepared to act either by
evacuating or seeking shelter in a secure location. After you are in a safer location, seek
additional information by accessing one of the university emergency broadcast systems:
Emergency hotline 725-5555
Emergency website http://emergency.stanford.edu
KZSU 90.1 FM
Where are the sirens located?
There are seven sirens on the Stanford campus. They are located at:
The blue area on the linked map indicates a minimum coverage of 70 decibels. 70db equates to approximately a normal conversation at three feet. Click here to view complete campus coverage map.
Where will I hear the sirens?
The sirens have been designed and placed to allow for campus-wide coverage. The high
intensity sound can travel up to one-half a mile from each pole. Sound range may vary
based on location and conditions, such as terrain, buildings and outdoor noise. Neighbors
in close proximity to campus may hear the system when it is activated and can check
http://emergency.stanford.edu for more information.
When will the sirens be tested?
The sirens will be tested upon installation and then twice per year, once in the fall after
students return to campus and once in the spring. Dates of tests will be placed on the
university emergency website, http://emergency.stanford.edu and on the AlertSU system
homepage http://alertsu.stanford.edu. To receive advance notice of siren tests via email,
send a blank email to: alertsu_publicnotice-join@lists.stanford.edu .
Will I hear the sirens indoors?
Possibly, but people inside buildings may not hear the siren system. The system is
designed to notify people who are outdoors. For those indoors and in other areas where
the sirens are not audible, Stanford has already implements the AlertSU notification
system. The AlertSU system provides direct contact via text messages, phone contact
and email alerts for Stanford community members whose information is in the AlertSU
system. It will be important for those who do hear the siren to alert those who may not
have heard it. Spread the word.
What should I do when I hear a test?
Stop what you are doing and listen for instructions. Report any concerns or questions
about your ability to understand the system via email to the Emergency Management
Office at preparedness@stanford.edu.
Do other schools have systems like this?
Yes, a number of other campuses have installed or are planning to install similar systems
including UC Berkeley, UCLA, Washington State, Duke, Brown, and North Carolina just
to name a few.
