By Debbie Williams Reporter
Published: Fri, December 21, 2007 - 4:27 pm
Last Updated: Fri, December 21, 2007 - 5:21 pm
Last Updated: Fri, December 21, 2007 - 5:21 pm
Debbie Williams
"They told me the were going to be testing this morning and I haven't heard a thing," says Jenny Hammond on her home off campus. But on campus, the sounds of sirens and warning fill the air.
Jim Fitzgerald is dean of administrative services. He says after 911 the school started raking ramping up security measures on campus. "We were very keen on trying to do something that would be right in the forefront."
The shooting rampage at Virginia Tech reinforced the message. "Things that happen on other campuses could happen on yours so you have to be prepared for it," says Fitzgerald.
The new system broadcasts four different warnings using sirens to get students attention and then a message telling them what to do.
The siren system is just part of the safety plan. They also have text messaging and e-mail alerts and deadbolt locks on all classroom doors. It's a system they hope they never have to use according to Fitzgerald. "You can't be prepared for everything but the things that you do know about could possibly happen you need to take some kind of preparation."
There are still some kinks that have to be worked out in the system but when students come back for the Spring semester, their campus will be much safer than before.
The system is programmed to warn students of weather emergencies, fire, and if a gunman is on campus.
The school is also implementing a call system that alerts staff by telephone of any emergency.
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