Emergency Alert System
implemented for main campus
September 2003
The university's new Emergency Alert System, a telephone network for disseminating urgent information on the main campus, has been implemented and is undergoes testing each fall. The system includes all campus (and near campus) NMSU buildings and housing units with phones as well as PSL Anderson Hall and Dona Ana Branch Community College (as phone numbers are provided).
The system is capable of sending emergency messages to all telephones on the main
campus or to specific buildings or groups, depending on the circumstances. When the EAS is
activated by the police dispatch center, a message specific to the incident will be
delivered by the phone network to affected or targeted groups. The message typically will
include a brief description of the emergency, provide direction for any immediate action
and tell where to go for more information. Currently, additional information on an
on-going emergency will be posted on the NMSU website (see Emergency Management page at www.nmsu.edu/~safety/emergency.htm) and/or provided
via the NMSU phone announcement line
(505-646-1000 - see
NMSU emergency phones).
Each fall a variety of safety events are conducted including testing of the EAS. The 2004 safety events included
- Fire Safety Information Booths at Residence Halls and Housing areas
- Mock Dorm Room Fires
- Activating the Emergency Alert System and performing 'No Notice' Fire Drills at
- Residence Halls
- Greek Housing and
- Academic Buildings
- Safety Training classes for new employees, lab & shop researchers and other interested employees.
- Safety Fairs include a Facility Safety Fair and a Health, Safety & Wellness Event
Information on past events and the tests of the EAS is provided in the Safety News section of this website.
The system is operated and maintained jointly by the campus Police Department, Fire Department, Information and Communication Technologies, and Environmental Health and Safety. A campus wide public information campaign about the system was provided during Safety Week, Aug. 25-28, 2003. Since then, information on the system as well as individual, departmental and other University emergency procedures is provided to all new employees via the Employee and HazCom Safety class. All new and present employees are encouraged to register and attend this class.
For more information please review the Safety & Security page at www.nmsu.edu/~safety/emergency.htm , call Environmental Health and Safety at 646-3327, or check the following links to the NMSU system and the vendor's system description.
