Mass notification system tests scheduled

The University will conduct sound testing of a mass notification system from Monday, Aug. 9, to Friday, Aug. 13, as part of an effort to determine the feasibility of installing mass notification equipment on campus. The testing will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. 

As part of the test, portable equipment will be set up in various locations throughout campus, including the West Windsor fields off of Washington Road. The test equipment will broadcast a "high-low" tone followed by a voice message that will say, "Testing, one, two, three." All possible efforts will be made to keep sound levels low to minimize disturbances across campus. Members of the campus community should not take any action if they hear the test messages.

The Department of Public Safety and the Department of Facilities' Life Safety and Security Systems will be working with the independent firms Code Blue and Talk-A-Phone to conduct the tests. Both companies provide mass notification and emergency communications tools for schools, hospitals and universities.

Mass notification systems are intended to quickly and efficiently deliver critical information to individuals during large-scale emergencies, such as a natural disaster. As part of continuing efforts to expand emergency communications tools on campus, the University is evaluating the feasibility of this relatively new technology.

Princeton Township and Princeton Borough Police Departments have been notified about the testing, but any member of the campus community who has questions or concerns should contact the Department of Public Safety at (609) 258-1000.