In addition to text messages and e-mail notifications, many colleges are now turning to siren-alert systems to make sure their entire campuses are aware during emergencies.
A survey conducted by the Campus Computing Project in fall 2007 found that 17 percent of private research universities and 38 percent of public research universities in the United States had installed siren systems.
Penn's Division of Public Safety is in the preliminary stages of preparing for a siren-alert system.
"Virginia Tech was a huge catalyst for campuses that either had no plans or were just beginning" to think of installing new emergency-alert programs last fall, said Kenneth Green, the director of the CCP.
DPS' UPennAlert emergency-notification system, which sends alerts primarily through e-mail and text messages, was implemented in August 2007.
Green added that these numbers will likely see a significant increase this year because last fall, many universities were just starting to react to the Virginia Tech shooting and still needed to find the money for such programs.
According to Green, many universities that already have siren-alert systems in place for weather alerts also plan to update their systems to include other emergencies as well.
Siren-alert systems are helpful because some people on campus, including visitors, might not have access to e-mail or a cell phone during an emergency.
The University of Houston decided to install a siren-alert system largely for this reason, said the university's spokesman, Eric Gerber.
"Different people get their information in different ways," he said. "If we are in a crisis situation, we want to make sure we're providing that information in as many forums as we can."
Houston's three sirens, which also can transmit public address messages, were installed a few weeks ago, and the system should be fully functional soon. Gerber said he did not know how much the system cost to implement.
Campus safety experts say siren-alert systems are helpful in ensuring that everyone in the area is notified during an emergency.
A siren-alert system "does help as part of a comprehensive plan, because you never want to rely solely on one method," said Jonathan Kassa, executive director of Security on Campus, a nonprofit that promotes campus safety.
"If it's used in conjunction with other modes of communication, you increase your chances of success at alerting students, faculty and the general public," he said.
DPS spokeswoman Stef Cella said there is not yet a timeline for implementing a siren-alert system at Penn. DPS is now in the planning stages, looking at funding and possible vendors.
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.
