Western Alert test planned for Friday morning

On Friday, April 26 at 9:45 a.m. Western will conduct an emergency notification drill of its Western Alert system. Western Alert is a group of ways to reach students, faculty and staff with important information for your safety. Multiple ways to provide information is considered a best practice.

What to Expect. Western Alert elements that will activate on April 26th include:

• Voice messages over the fire alarm system (building enunciation)
• Sounding Big Ole' steam whistle for outdoor alert – a signal to seek information
• Sending text messages to everyone who has registered in web4u at MyWestern
• Emailing every university email address
• Posting a Western Alert message on the emergency communication webpage, emergency.wwu.edu
• Posting a message on Western's Facebook page and Twitter feed

Preparing. When each of us is better prepared, Western will be collectively more resilient. Please take 8 minutes to watch Western's emergency management video here (scroll down). Western's Emergency Management Committee joins me in strongly recommending that you please do this now.

Concerning Behaviors. Western has a video at this link specifically to help you recognize behavioral warning signs of potentially dangerous individuals and reporting options.

What to do should violence occur. The U.S. government has provided a video on your options.

Drop, Cover and Hold. Western is participating in state-wide earthquake preparation by participating in a drop, cover and hold drill. Please review how to drop, cover and hold, and practice if you are able at some point on Friday.