Sources: Steven Galitzer, galitz@k-state.edu, 785-532-5856; Stephen Broccolo, seaghost@k-state.edu, 785-532-5856
News release prepared by: Cheryl May, 785-532-6415, may@k-state.edu

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

NEW CAMPUS EMERGENCY WARNING SYSTEM TO BE INSTALLED AND TESTED NEXT WEEK

MANHATTAN -- If you are walking on the campus of Kansas State University next week and hear voices, it's not in your head. Emergency warning systems being installed on and adjacent to campus have verbal warning capabilities and will be tested during the week. People walking outside will be able to hear the message.

Stephen Broccolo, K-State's emergency management coordinator, said, "We recently purchased three new Federal Signal Corporation Tornado Warning Systems with audio broadcast with our city/ university funds. These units, one on King Hall, one on Durland Hall and one at Jardine and Hillcrest will be installed and tested during the week of spring break, March 16-20."

All units have voice capability and will be used in case of campus emergencies, not just with tornado warnings, according to Steven Galitzer, director of public safety.

Each unit will be tested multiple times to ensure it is ready in case of an emergency, Galitzer said. He said a similar unit is in place to warn residents in case of dam failure at Tuttle Creek Lake.