KSC to implement new alert system
Laura Thomas
Issue date: 2/28/08 Section: News
Universities across New Hampshire are adapting new systems to reach out to the campus community during an emergency. Keene State College has joined the City Watch Emergency Notification System (ENS), where those enrolled will receive a message through text, e-mail or telephone of their choosing.
As posted on the MyKSC bulletin page, messages will be sent "when a situation exists that presents an imminent danger to the campus. An "imminent danger" is one that threatens the immediate safety of the campus community, is not anticipated, and failure to provide such a warning may result in serious harm."
Some examples of such emergencies are listed on the bulletin. These include "large scale chemical or hazardous material spill, an armed and actively violent person or a tornado. Messages will not be used unless the situation is determined to be imminent and requires immediate action."
The MyKSC posting for the ENS, with links to sign up, has been a high priority listing since Monday, Feb. 11. Director of Campus Safety Amanda Warman said as of Feb. 19, about 500 students, faulty, and staff have signed up. While this may be a low percentage of the campus community, Warman said she believes more students will get onboard once they receive the informative e-mail, which wasn't sent out until that day.
"It was a challenge to use as many avenues as possible to let people know about the system," said Warman.
Senior Meredith Johnson said she checks her e-mails about 20 times per day. She said she goes straight to e-mail unless something has happened on campus and she wants to find out more. Then she looks to the MyKSC announcements page.
Johnson is moving off-campus in two weeks, but once she is settled she plans on signing up for the ENS message with her new address. She said she thinks the system will work well for her, especially because her boyfriend is her emergency contact person.
Joshua Starkey on the other hand deleted the e-mail from Campus Safety. "I thought it was junk mail," he said. "I get a number of e-mails a day and I don't normally get e-mails from them."
As posted on the MyKSC bulletin page, messages will be sent "when a situation exists that presents an imminent danger to the campus. An "imminent danger" is one that threatens the immediate safety of the campus community, is not anticipated, and failure to provide such a warning may result in serious harm."
Some examples of such emergencies are listed on the bulletin. These include "large scale chemical or hazardous material spill, an armed and actively violent person or a tornado. Messages will not be used unless the situation is determined to be imminent and requires immediate action."
The MyKSC posting for the ENS, with links to sign up, has been a high priority listing since Monday, Feb. 11. Director of Campus Safety Amanda Warman said as of Feb. 19, about 500 students, faulty, and staff have signed up. While this may be a low percentage of the campus community, Warman said she believes more students will get onboard once they receive the informative e-mail, which wasn't sent out until that day.
"It was a challenge to use as many avenues as possible to let people know about the system," said Warman.
Senior Meredith Johnson said she checks her e-mails about 20 times per day. She said she goes straight to e-mail unless something has happened on campus and she wants to find out more. Then she looks to the MyKSC announcements page.
Johnson is moving off-campus in two weeks, but once she is settled she plans on signing up for the ENS message with her new address. She said she thinks the system will work well for her, especially because her boyfriend is her emergency contact person.
Joshua Starkey on the other hand deleted the e-mail from Campus Safety. "I thought it was junk mail," he said. "I get a number of e-mails a day and I don't normally get e-mails from them."
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Shannon
posted 2/28/08 @ 9:13 AM EST
I was a student at KSC for 2 years and I think this system is a real benefit. While I never felt I was in danger on the campus, be it from a tornado or a violent student, I feel that everyone everywhere should be aware that it could happen when they least expect it. (Continued…)
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