HSU Alert Drill a Success

The Valentine’s Day test of Humboldt State University’s Emergency Alert System succeeded in transmitting 3,017 text messages to registered cell phone users, a dramatic increase from the 752 sent in the previous drill. Only 78 messages were returned as undeliverable.

A total of 60 callers exercised the University Police Department’s 826-INFO Line, 13 on campus and 47 off campus.

The HSU web site was accessed 118 times during the 11 o’clock hour, and 47 times at noon.

The Clock Tower bells on the Quad sounded concurrently with the transmission of the text messages, from 11:45 a.m. until noon.

To increase the bells’ reach, campus authorities are weighing deployment at additional University towers, possibly supplemented by flashing lights.

The Emergency Alert System is tested once a semester to familiarize everyone with three key sources of information:
www.humboldt.edu/emergency, 707/826-INFO or KHSU 90.5 FM.

These same sources would be used in the event of a real emergency.

Feedback on the effectiveness of the system and the drill is welcomed at response@humboldt.edu.

Details about preparedness are posted on the HSU Emergency Management Program web page at http://studentaffairs.humboldt.edu/emergencyops/.