Technological Challenges & Alert System Presented by: Cindy Lawson

Organizational Issues Tracking Media queries, requests for interviews, etc. Managing Web traffic Managing overloaded phone lines

Organizational Issues Activating & updating a “blind site” Monitoring media coverage Monitoring offers of help and assistance PIER

Methods for Communicating

Siren (blast or verbal) Emergency information hotline Reverse 911 – broadcast voic s Short wave radio & dedicated frequencies

Methods for Communicating Marquee Blast Emergency information Website (“blind”) Satellite phones

Methods for Communicating Emergency alert text messaging Cable TV interruption message (audio and scrolling messages) Pop-up alerts on campus computers

Methods for Communicating Stadium broadcasting systems LCD’s in classrooms and hallways PA systems (“blue lights”)

Methods for Communicating A dedicated cable channel for video feeds/updates to all dorm rooms RSS feeds to internet subscribers YouTube, MySpace and FaceBook

Methods for Communicating Campus advisories posted in buildings Community meetings Media alerts

Methods for Communicating Residence hall assistants Chalking Posters, newsletters, etc.

What if the Infrastructure is Disabled?

Do you know which phones will still work? Do you have alternate communications? – Satellite phones – Bull horns – Battery-operated radios (transmitters & receivers) Back-up server capabilities

What if the Infrastructure is Disabled? Facilities personnel – room by room Dispatch (campus buses) What other systems could be deployed?

Which Media Outlets Have Back-up Generators?

Issues with “New Media” Cell Phones, text messaging, Blackberries and Qs iReport (CNN) – Phones with cameras Blogs on media sites and elsewhere YouTube, FaceBook, My Space