Emergency Notification and Warning
OP-G-9.1.3
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Policy

The Higher Education Opportunity Act (Public Law 110-315) (HEOA) was enacted on August 14, 2008. Under Title IV, the federal law requires all colleges and universities to have a notification and warning plan in place to alert the campus community of an emergency. The U.S. Department of Education is still in the process of developing the regulations that will coincide with this law and will amend the Code of Federal Regulations (34CFR) in the fall of 2009.

This policy, OP-G-9.1.3, establishes the emergency notification and warning program at Florida State University. This program is commonly referred to as the "FSU ALERT" emergency notification system. This document, in aggregate, constitutes the University’s Emergency Notification and Warning Plan.

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Objective

The objective of this policy is to establish and implement an emergency notification and warning system at Florida State University. This system shall be commonly known as the "FSU ALERT" emergency notification system.

The primary objective of the emergency notification and warning system, FSU ALERT, is to provide timely notification and warning to all students, faculty, staff, and visitors of Florida State University of a threat, occurring or imminent, that poses an immediate threat to their health, safety, or general welfare while on campus.

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Authority

Chapter 1001.75, Florida Statutes, K-20 Governance, designates the University President as the chief executive officer of the state university and is made responsible for the operation and administration of the university.

Chapter 1001.75 (16), Florida Statutes, makes the University President responsible to "Ensure compliance with federal and state laws, rules, regulations, and other requirements that are applicable to the university."

U.S. Public Law 110-315, Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA), and Code of Federal Regulations (34CFR) require colleges and universities to have an emergency notification and warning system.

This policy, under the authority of the University President, ensures Florida State University's compliance with the applicable federal law.

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Scope

This policy applies only to the Florida State University Main Campus and the Southwest Campus in Tallahassee, Florida. The Southwest Campus includes: Alumni Village, College of Engineering, National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, research facilities, Morcom Aquatics Center, WFSU, FSU Reservation, and the Recreation SportsPlex.

It is incumbent upon the administrative personnel of other Florida State University campuses and related facilities to develop their own localized emergency notification and warning plan that is consistent with all applicable laws, authorities, standards, and this policy.

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Assumptions

In order to plan for and consider the effectiveness of the FSU ALERT emergency notification system, one must take into account several planning assumptions:

  1. With the exception of some forecasted weather situations, most emergencies requiring activation of the FSU ALERT emergency notification system will be "no notice." This means that there is an immediate threat to individual life safety.
  2. With assumption #1 in mind, there is a need to streamline the activation process for FSU ALERT to ensure timely notification and warning. A delay in providing emergency related information can expose the campus community to dangerous situations.
  3. No one-method of communication will reach everyone, everywhere, every time. Utilization of numerous and varied communication methods is required.
  4. Electronic communication mechanisms are subject to failure. Redundancy through utilization of numerous and various communication methods is required.
  5. Even with numerous and various communication methods, you can never guarantee 100% delivery.
  6. Studies have shown that the average person requires three (3) sources of input to fully realize that an emergency is occurring. Inputs may include direct observation of the emergency (explosions, breaking glass, screeching, smoke, chemical or burning smell) or notifications (sirens, blue lights, and a text message). This emphasizes the need to employ multiple delivery methods to reinforce the message.
  7. Due to limitations beyond the university's control, a small portion of the intended audience will receive their emergency messages in a later timeframe than desired.
  8. Some of the emergency communication methods identified herein are "passive" systems, requiring deliberate action on the part of the recipient to obtain the emergency message. Many will not take this required action.
  9. With assumption #7 in mind, a number of the communication methods must be "active" systems, requiring minimal efforts on the recipient's part to receive and comprehend the message.
  10. Despite best efforts, errant information may still be generated and distributed by alternate means of communication (i.e. word of mouth). This requires FSU ALERT messages to be clear, concise, succinct, and accurate.
  11. Notification systems must account for communication impairments (hearing or sight).
  12. Language barriers, such as with international students, will result in misunderstood receipt of messages.
  13. Emergency messages must be identifiable as "official" FSU ALERT messages.
  14. An aggressive educational campaign is required to introduce the system to every person on campus. This educational campaign must be ongoing to inform each new person that comes on campus through student or new employee orientation.
  15. Regular testing of the FSU ALERT system is required to ensure functionality and to familiarize recipients with the system's features. All tests must be evaluated and corrective action recommendations developed, as necessary.
  16. As communication technology evolves, new communication methods may be identified as others become obsolete. A constant evaluation of effectiveness is required.

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Responsibilities

Environmental Health & Safety

The Environmental Health and Safety Department (EH&S) of Florida State University shall appoint a qualified Emergency Management Coordinator (EMC) to provide oversight, management, and coordination of the University's emergency notification and warning system. The EMC shall ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws pertaining to emergency notification and warning requirements. EH&S shall initiate an "FSU ALERT" for any immediate or imminent threat to the campus community stemming from a threat of a natural or technological hazard. EH&S shall disseminate an "FSU ALERT" emergency message via delivery methods under its operational control.

Police Department

The Police Department of Florida State University shall participate in the emergency notification and warning system. The Police Department shall initiate an "FSU ALERT" for any immediate or imminent threat to the campus community stemming from a threat of a criminal nature. EH&S shall disseminate an "FSU ALERT" emergency message via delivery methods under its operational control.

University Communications

The Office of University Communications of Florida State University (UniComm) shall participate in the emergency notification and warning system. UniComm shall disseminate an "FSU ALERT" emergency message via delivery methods under its operational control.

Telecommunications

The Office of Telecommunications of Florida State University (OTC) shall participate in the emergency notification and warning system. OTC shall disseminate an "FSU ALERT" emergency message via delivery methods under its operational control.

Technology Integration

The Office of Technology Integration of Florida State University (OTI) and its subsidiaries shall participate in the emergency notification and warning system. OTI shall disseminate an "FSU ALERT" emergency message via delivery methods under its operational control.

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Concept of Operations

  1. Methods

    The Florida State University emergency notification and warning system, "FSU ALERT", consists of the following communication methods. A combination of some or all methods are utilized depending on the nature, duration and severity of the emergency.

    Alert methods are classified as Primary versus Secondary and Active versus Passive.

    Primary alert methods include those which can be promptly initiated; have minimal time to deliver; and reach a broad audience.

    Secondary alert methods include those which may be time-consuming to activate and / or have a limited audience.

    Active alert methods include those which require minimal effort on the part of the recipient to receive the alert message.

    Passive alert methods include those which require a concerted action on the part of the recipient to seek and receive the message.

     

    Primary:

    Secondary:
    Active

    Outdoor Sirens
    Voice Over Fire Alarm* NOAA Weather Radios
    Text Messages
    Blue-Light Safety Phones
    Reverse-Dialing
    Computer Network Pop-Up Windows

    Indoor Public Address
    Two-way Radios
    Electronic Card-swipe Door Access
    Vehicle Public Address Speakers
    Passive

    www.fsu.edu Home Page
    alerts.fsu.edu Alerts Page
    E-mail
    (850) 644-INFO Hotline
    530AM Visitor Information Radio
    Voice-mail Message
    RSS Feeds
    Network Login Portals
    Facebook
    Myspace
    Twitter

    Variable Message Boards
    Seminole Cablevision - Information Channel 19
    Television
    Radio
    Newspaper - Online Newspaper
    People Locator Web Site
    * - where available in a limited number of equipped buildings.

     

  2. Decision Criteria

    Five criteria must be considered to determine if activation of the FSU ALERT system is warranted, which communications will be utilized, and who authorizes activation of the system:

    1. Hazard Type
      • What is the hazard? (Room fire, tornado, hurricane)
      • What is the impact to the University? (Minor, major, catastrophic)
      • What is the potential for the situation to worsen?
      • Is the situation under control?
    2. Life Safety/Property Protection
      • What is the potential for death?
      • What is the potential for serious injury?
      • What is the potential for minor injury?
      • What is the potential for damage?
      • What is the potential for disruption to normal course of business?
    3. Urgency
      • How soon does the message need to go out? (Seconds, hours, days)
      • Is there time for approval?
    4. Audience
      • Who needs to be alerted? (Administration, faculty, staff, students, guests)
      • How many people need to be alerted? (Dozens, hundreds, thousands)
    5. Capabilities/Limitations
      • What are the limitations of the system? (Limited audience, lengthy delivery time)
      • Which system should be used? (Press conference, bulk text message, siren)
      • How quickly can the messages be sent? (Immediately, minutes, hours)

  3. Alert Levels

    4. Depending on the nature, severity, and duration of an incident or threat, combined with the results of answering the questions in Section II, one of the following Alert Levels is selected:

    1. Full Activation of FSU ALERT: A situation which requires the immediate activation of ALL Primary delivery methods.
    2. Partial Activation of FSU ALERT: A situation which requires use of only certain, selected Primary delivery methods.
    3. Information Only Message: A situation which is not a warning of an immediate threat, but rather a dissemination of information that mitigates concern or potential for rumors.
    4. Public Service Announcement: The distribution of information which serves to promote safety and a culture of preparedness by raising awareness.

  4. Pre-Approved Scenarios & Messages

    The following emergency scenarios and associated FSU ALERT messages are pre-approved by University officials and eligible for immediate Level 1 – Full Activation of FSU ALERT..

    1. Dangerous Situation
    2. Hazardous Condition
    3. Severe Thunderstorm Warning
    4. Tornado Warning
    5. Flash Flood Warning
    6. Testing

    The following scenarios and associated FSU ALERT messages are pre-approved by University officials and eligible for immediate Level 2 – Partial Activation of FSU ALERT.

    1. Crime Bulletin
    2. Lightning Warning

    Details regarding each scenario and the associated message text follow in this document.

  5. Activation Approval Hierarchy

    Any other Level 1 – Full Activation, or Level 2 – Partial Activation of the FSU ALERT system for purposes not pre-approved above, must be approved by University officials.

    As practical without jeopardizing life safety, the following individuals or entities shall be consulted prior to emergency message dissemination. If the preceding person or entity is not available or not feasible, proceed down the list to the next available entity:

    • Executive Policy Group
    • Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration -or- Vice President of Student Affairs
    • Associate Vice President of Finance and Administration
    • Chief of Police -or- Environmental Health and Safety Director
    • Emergency Manager Coordinator -or- Police Supervisor on duty
    • Police Dispatch Supervisor
    • Police Dispatcher

  6. Activation Procedures

    Activation Procedures of the FSU ALERT emergency notification system are maintained in a separate, secure document. Given the sensitive operational nature of the contents of the Activation Procedures document, it is considered to be CONFIDENTIAL and FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY.

    The Activation Procedures document is exempt from inspection or copying of public records per Chapter 119.071, Florida Statutes - General exemptions from inspection or copying of public records, 119.071 (3), Security. Here is a link to Section 119.071, Florida Statutes

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Logistics Support and Resource Requirements

(Included in the Activation Procedure document OP-G-9.1.3.1)

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Plan Maintenance

This Policy and Plan is maintained by the Department of Environmental Health and Safety, Emergency Management Section. This Plan is to be comprehensively reviewed annually on or by June 30 for implementation during the subsequent fiscal year commencing July 1.

The annual review is conducted by all parties identified with Responsibilities above.

Major, substantive changes in policy, roles or responsibilities requires concurrence of affected parties.

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Appendix 1: Pre-approved Scenario: Dangerous Situation

DANGEROUS SITUATION

Definition

Any human-caused situation, generally of a criminal nature, occurring or imminent, that poses an immediate threat to the health and safety of individuals on campus.
Examples Active shooter, suicide bomber, hostage situation, civil unrest, terrorist attack, credible bomb or terrorist threat, suspicious device found.
Initiating Authority FSU Police Department: Chief, Command Staff, On-duty Supervisor

Origin

FSU Police Department, Tallahassee Police Department, Leon County Sheriff Office, other state or federal law enforcement agency.

Received via
  • 911 Caller (FSU Police Dispatch)
  • Law Enforcement Officer (FSU Police Dispatch)
  • NCIC/FCIC Alert (FSU Police Dispatch)

Urgency

Immediate (Seconds)

Threat to Life

Potentially fatal, serious or minor injury to individuals.

Alert Level

1-Full Activation of FSU ALERT

FSU ALERT
Delivery Methods

Automatically:
1.) Initiate all Primary - Active delivery methods.
2.) Initiate all Primary - Passive delivery methods.

At the discretion of the Incident Commander:
3.) Initiate select Secondary - Active delivery methods.
4.) Initiate select Secondary - Passive delivery methods.

Default
SMS Text Message

*FSU ALERT!* Dangerous Situation! A dangerous situation is occurring on campus. Please seek shelter immediately in nearest building, away from doors and windows. Obtain additional information and updates from http://alerts.fsu.edu or by calling 644-INFO

Default
Message for:

  • E-mail
  • 644-INFO
  • 530AM
  • Voicemail
  • Pop-ups

This is an official emergency notification, for distribution to all students currently taking classes, faculty, and staff.

*FSU ALERT!* Dangerous Situation! Seek shelter immediately in nearest building, away from doors and windows. Go to http://alerts.fsu.edu or call 644-INFO for more information and updates.

[Custom Message from Incident Commander]

Outdoor Siren

[Attack Wail Tone for 30 seconds]

[Voice Recording, repeated twice]: "Attention! Attention! Dangerous Situation. Seek shelter immediately. Dangerous Situation."

[Repeat above cycle as directed by the Incident Commander]

Voice Over Fire Alarm
(where available in a limited number of equipped buildings)

[Hi-Lo Tone for 10 seconds]

[Voice Recording, repeated twice.]: "Attention! Attention! This is an FSU ALERT emergency notification message. A dangerous situation is occurring on campus. Please remain inside this building, away from doors and windows. Seek additional information from the university website or by calling 644-INFO."

[Repeat the above cycle as directed by the Incident Commander]

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Appendix 2: Pre-approved Scenario: Hazardous Condition


HAZARDOUS CONDITION

Definition

Any natural or technological situation, such as a hazardous materials spill, occurring or imminent, that poses a threat to the health and safety of individuals on campus.

Examples Gas leak, chemical spill, biological hazard, radiological hazard, geological hazard, extreme weather (other than thunderstorm, tornado, or flood)
Initiating Authority Environmental Health & Safety Director, Emergency Management Coordinator, Tallahassee Fire Department, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Department of Health, Leon County Emergency Management

Origin

Tallahassee Fire Department, FSU Police Department, Environmental Health & Safety, Tallahassee Police Department, Tallahassee Emergency Management, Tallahassee Utilities, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Leon County Emergency Management,

Received via
  • 911 Caller (FSU Police Dispatch)
  • Law Enforcement Officer (FSU Police Dispatch)
  • NCIC/FCIC Alert (FSU Police Dispatch)
  • Tallahassee Fire Department (FSU Police Dispatch or EH&S)
  • Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FSUPD or EH&S)

Urgency

Immediate (Seconds)

Threat to Life

Potentially fatal, serious or minor injury to individuals.

Alert Level

1-Full Activation of FSU ALERT

FSU ALERT
Delivery Methods

Automatically:
1.) Initiate all Primary - Active delivery methods.
2.) Initiate all Primary - Passive delivery methods.

At the discretion of the Incident Commander:
3.) Initiate select Secondary - Active delivery methods.
4.) Initiate select Secondary - Passive delivery methods.

Default
SMS Text Message

*FSUALERT!* Hazardous Condition! Seek shelter immediately in nearest building, away from doors and windows. alerts.fsu.edu or 644-INFO for more information.

Default
Message for:

  • E-mail
  • 644-INFO
  • 530AM
  • Voicemail
  • Pop-ups

This is an official emergency notification, for distribution to all students currently taking classes, faculty, and staff.

*FSU ALERT!* Hazardous Condition! A hazardous condition is occurring on campus. Please seek shelter immediately in nearest building, away from doors and windows. Obtain additional information and updates from http://alerts.fsu.edu or by calling 644-INFO.

[Custom Message from Incident Commander]

Outdoor Siren

[Attack Wail Tone for 30 seconds]
[Voice Recording repeated twice]: "Attention! Attention! Hazardous Condition. Seek shelter immediately."
"Attention! Attention! Hazardous Condition. Seek shelter immediately. Hazardous Condition."

[the above cycle as directed by the Incident Commander]

Voice Over Fire Alarm
(where available in a limited number of equipped buildings)

[Hi-Lo Tone for 10 seconds]

[Voice Recording, repeated twice.]: "Attention! Attention! This is an FSU ALERT emergency notification message. A hazardous condition is occurring on campus. Please remain inside this building, away from doors and windows. Seek additional information from the university website or by calling 644-INFO."

[Repeat the above cycle as directed by the Incident Commander]

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Appendix 3: Pre-approved Scenario: Severe Thunderstorm Warning


SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

Definition

The National Weather Service has detected a thunderstorm capable of hail (equal or greater to 3/4-inch diameter), and/or winds in excess of 58 mph, that will come onto or very close vicinity to an FSU facility. Generally accompanied by frequent lightning. Only to be issued if the warning polygon includes campus.
Initiating Authority Environmental Health & Safety Director, Emergency Management Coordinator, FSU Police Department

Origin

National Weather Service - Tallahassee

Received via
  • NOAA Weather Radio (scattered throughout campus)
  • Interwarn software (Emergency Manager)
  • Emergency Alert System (radio, television)
  • WENS Text Message
  • NCIC/FCIC (FSU PD Dispatch)
  • Internet websites (weather.gov, weather.com, etc.) [passive]

Urgency

Imminent (1 - 45 minutes)

Threat to Life

Potentially fatal, serious or minor injury to individuals.

Alert Level

1-Full Activation of FSU ALERT

FSU ALERT
Delivery Methods

Automatically:
1.) Initiate all Primary - Active delivery methods*.

* - Postpone outdoor warning siren activation until 5-10 minutes before estimated time of arrival.

2.) Initiate all Primary - Passive delivery methods.

At the discretion of the Incident Commander:
3.) Initiate select Secondary - Active delivery methods.
4.) Initiate select Secondary - Passive delivery methods.

Default
SMS Text Message

*FSUALERT!* Severe Thunderstorm! Seek shelter immediately in nearest building, away from doors and windows. alerts.fsu.edu or 644-INFO for more information.

Default
Message for:

  • E-mail
  • 644-INFO
  • 530AM
  • Voicemail
  • Pop-ups

This is an official emergency notification, for distribution to all students currently taking classes, faculty, and staff.

*FSU ALERT!* Severe Thunderstorm Warning! The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Florida State University. Damaging winds, large hail, torrential downpours, and frequent lightning are possible with this storm. Seek shelter immediately in nearest building, away from doors and windows. Obtain additional information and updates from http://alerts.fsu.edu or by calling 644-INFO.

[Custom Message from Incident Commander]

Outdoor Siren

[Attack Wail Tone for 30 seconds]
[Voice Recording, repeated twice]: "Attention! Attention! Severe Thunderstorm Warning. Seek shelter immediately. Severe Thunderstorm Warning."

[Play at warning issuance and again at 5-10 minutes before anticipated or forecasted arrival to campus]

Voice Over Fire Alarm
(where available in a limited number of equipped buildings)

[Hi-Lo Tone for 10 seconds]

[Voice Recording, repeated twice.]: "Attention! Attention! This is an FSU ALERT emergency notification message. The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for campus, which may include severe winds, large hail, torrential downpours and frequent lightning. Please remain inside this building, away from doors and windows. Seek additional information from the university website or by calling 644-INFO."

[Play at warning issuance and again at 5-10 minutes before anticipated or forecasted arrival to campus]

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Appendix 4: Pre-approved Scenario: Tornado Warning


TORNADO WARNING

Definition

A tornado has either been spotted by individuals on the ground or detected by Doppler radar. The National Weather Service indicates that the tornado or possible tornado is traveling in a direction that brings it onto or in very close vicinity to an FSU facility. All persons outdoors must seek immediate shelter in the closest sturdy structure. Only to be issued if the warning polygon includes campus.
Initiating Authority Environmental Health & Safety Director, Emergency Management Coordinator, FSU Police Department

Origin

National Weather Service - Tallahassee

Received via
  • NOAA Weather Radio (scattered throughout campus)
  • Interwarn software (Emergency Manager)
  • Emergency Alert System (radio, television)
  • WENS Text Message
  • NCIC/FCIC (FSU PD Dispatch)
  • Internet websites (weather.gov, weather.com, etc.) [passive]

Urgency

Imminent (1 - 45 minutes)

Threat to Life

Potentially fatal, serious or minor injury to individuals.

Alert Level

1-Full Activation of FSU ALERT

FSU ALERT
Delivery Methods

Automatically:
1.) Initiate all Primary - Active delivery methods*.

* - Postpone outdoor warning siren activation until 5-10 minutes before estimated time of arrival.

2.) Initiate all Primary - Passive delivery methods.

At the discretion of the Incident Commander:
3.) Initiate select Secondary - Active delivery methods.
4.) Initiate select Secondary - Passive delivery methods.

Default
SMS Text Message

*FSUALERT!* Tornado Warning! Seek shelter immediately in nearest building, away from doors and windows. alerts.fsu.edu or 644-INFO for more information.

Default
Message for:

  • E-mail
  • 644-INFO
  • 530AM
  • Voicemail
  • Pop-ups

This is an official emergency notification, for distribution to all students currently taking classes, faculty, and staff.

*FSU ALERT!* Tornado Warning! The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Warning for Florida State University. A tornado has been detected on radar or spotted, moving in the general direction of campus. Damaging winds, large hail, torrential downpours, and frequent lightning are also possible with this storm. Seek shelter immediately in nearest building, away from doors and windows. Obtain additional information and updates from http://alerts.fsu.edu or by calling 644-INFO.

[Custom Message from Incident Commander]

Outdoor Siren

[Attack Wail Tone for 30 seconds]

[Voice Recording, repeated twice]: "Attention! Attention! Tornado Warning. Seek shelter immediately. Tornado Warning."

[Play at warning issuance and again at 5-10 minutes before anticipated or forecasted arrival to campus]

Voice Over Fire Alarm
(where available in a limited number of equipped buildings)

[Hi-Lo Tone for 10 seconds]

[Voice Recording, repeated twice.]: "Attention! Attention! This is an FSU ALERT emergency notification message. The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Warning for campus. A possible tornado may impact campus shortly. This storm may also include severe winds, large hail, torrential downpours and frequent lightning. Please remain inside this building, away from doors and windows. Seek additional information from the university website or by calling 644-INFO"

[Play at warning issuance and again at 5-10 minutes before anticipated or forecasted arrival to campus]

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Appendix 5: Pre-approved Scenario: Flash Flood Warning

FLASH FLOOD WARNING

Definition

The National Weather Service has detected a rainfall rate or amount that historically results in flooding in the area and/or flooding is reported to be occurring by individuals. Flash Flooding may be problematic along drainage canals and in low lying areas on campus, such as around the stadium. Only to be issued if actual flooding or imminent flooding is observed on campus.
Initiating Authority Environmental Health & Safety Director, Emergency Management Coordinator, FSU Police Department

Origin

National Weather Service - Tallahassee

Received via
  • NOAA Weather Radio (scattered throughout campus)
  • Interwarn software (Emergency Manager)
  • Emergency Alert System (radio, television)
  • WENS Text Message
  • NCIC/FCIC (FSU PD Dispatch)
  • Internet websites (weather.gov, weather.com, etc.) [passive]

Urgency

Imminent (1 - 45 minutes)

Threat to Life

Potentially fatal, serious or minor injury to individuals.

Alert Level

1-Full Activation of FSU ALERT

FSU ALERT
Delivery Methods

Automatically:
1.) Initiate all Primary - Active delivery methods.
2.) Initiate all Primary - Passive delivery methods.

At the discretion of the Incident Commander:
3.) Initiate select Secondary - Active delivery methods.
4.) Initiate select Secondary - Passive delivery methods.

Default
SMS Text Message

*FSU ALERT!* Flash Flood Warning! Flooding on campus. Do not walk or drive through flood waters regardless of depth. Go to alerts.fsu.edu for more information.

Default
Message for:

  • E-mail
  • 644-INFO
  • 530AM
  • Voicemail
  • Pop-ups

This is an official emergency notification, for distribution to all students currently taking classes, faculty, and staff.

*FSU ALERT!* Flash Flood Warning! The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning for Florida State University. Torrential rainfall is occurring on campus and in the immediate vicinity at a rate which may result in the flash flooding of walkways, roadways, and parking lots. Flooding has been observed on campus or in the immediate vicinity. Do not walk or drive through flood waters of any depth as only a few inches of fast moving water may cause a hazard. Obtain additional information and updates from http://alerts.fsu.edu or by calling 644-INFO.

[Custom Message from Incident Commander]

Outdoor Siren

[Attack Wail Tone for 30 seconds]
[Voice Recording, repeated twice]: "Attention! Attention! Flash Flood Warning. Seek shelter immediately. Flash Flood Warning."

[Play at warning issuance and every 15 minutes until expiration or observed flooding subsides]

Voice Over Fire Alarm
(where available in a limited number of equipped buildings)

[Hi-Lo Tone for 10 seconds]

[Voice Recording, repeated twice.]: "Attention! Attention! This is an FSU ALERT emergency notification message. The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning for campus. Torrential rainfall is occurring on campus and in the immediate vicinity at a rate which may result in the flash flooding of walkways, roadways, and parking lots. Do not walk or drive through water of any depth as only a few inches of fast moving water can cause a hazard. Seek additional information from the university website or by calling 644-INFO."

[Play at warning issuance and again at 5-10 minutes before anticipated or forecasted arrival to campus or at the discretion of the Incident Commander.]

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Appendix 6: Pre-approved Scenario: Testing

TESTING

Definition

Once per semester (Spring, Summer, Fall), a comprehensive test of the FSU ALERT emergency notification system will be conducted to ensure functionality and to acclimate the campus community to its use.

Initiating Authority Environmental Health & Safety Director, Emergency Management Coordinator, FSU Police Department

Origin

Associate Vice President of Finance & Administration

Urgency

None

Threat to Life

None

Alert Level

1-Full Activation of FSU ALERT

FSU ALERT
Delivery Methods

Automatically:
1.) Initiate all Primary - Active delivery methods.
2.) Initiate all Primary - Passive delivery methods.

At the discretion of the Incident Commander:
3.) Initiate select Secondary - Active delivery methods.
4.) Initiate select Secondary - Passive delivery methods.

Default
SMS Text Message

*FSU ALERT!* Test! Test! This is a test of the FSU ALERT emergency notification system. This is ONLY A TEST. Conditions are normal. No action is required.

Default
Message for:

  • E-mail
  • 644-INFO
  • 530AM
  • Voicemail
  • Pop-ups

This is an official emergency notification, for distribution to all students currently taking classes, faculty, and staff.

*FSU ALERT!* Test! Test! This is a test of the FSU ALERT emergency notification system. This is ONLY A TEST. Conditions are normal. No action is required.
[Custom Message from Incident Commander]

Outdoor Siren

[Chime Tone for 8 seconds]
[Voice Recording]: "Test. Test. This is a test of the FSU outdoor warning system. This is only a test."

[Chime tone and voice message repeated twice]

Voice Over Fire Alarm
(where available in a limited number of equipped buildings)

[Chime Tone for 8 seconds]

[Voice Recording, repeated twice.]: "Test! Test! This is a test of the FSU ALERT emergency notification system. This is only a test. Please pardon the interruption."

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Appendix 7: Pre-approved Scenario: Crime Bulletin

Crime Bulletin

Definition

 

Examples

 
Initiating Authority FSU Police Department: Chief, Command Staff

Origin

FSU Police Department, Tallahassee Police Department, Leon County Sheriff Office, other state or federal law enforcement agency.

Received via

Generated Internally

Urgency

None

Threat to Life

Minimal

Alert Level

2-Partial Activation of FSU ALERT

FSU ALERT
Delivery Methods

Automatically:
1.) E-mail
2.) alerts.fsu.edu Alerts Page
3.) RSS Feeds, Network Login Pages, Facebook, Myspace, Twitter

Default
SMS Text Message

[Not Applicable]

Default
Message for:

  • E-mail
  • RSS Feeds

This message has been approved by David Perry, Chief of FSU Police, for distribution to all students currently taking classes, faculty and staff.

Crime Bulletin

[Custom Message from Incident Commander]

Outdoor Siren

[Not Applicable]

Voice Over Fire Alarm

[Not Applicable]

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Appendix 8: Pre-approved Scenario: Lightning Warning

Definition

Lightning is occurring within an 8-mile radius of FSU Main Campus (centered on Doak Campbell Stadium). Only to be issued during times where there are large congregations of persons outdoors (e.g. major sporting events, tailgating, festivals, fairs).

Initiating Authority Environmental Health & Safety Director, Emergency Management Coordinator, FSU Police Department

Origin

WeatherSentry by DTN

Received via

  • E-mail
  • SMS Text Message

Urgency

Imminent (1-45 minutes)

Threat to Life

Potentially fatal, serious or minor injury to individuals.

Alert Level

2-Partial Activation of FSU ALERT

FSU ALERT
Delivery Methods

Automatically:
1.) Outdoor Sirens
2.) alerts.fsu.edu Alerts Page
3.) RSS Feeds, Myspace, Facebook, Twitter

At the discretion of the Incident Commander
4.) SMS Text Messages
5.) E-mail
6.) Blue-Light Safety Phones
7.) (850) 644-INFO (required if SMS Text is used)
8.) 530AM Visitor Information Radio
9.) Vehicle Public Address Speakers

Default
SMS Text Message

*FSUALERT!* Lightning Warning! Seek shelter immediately in nearest building or vehicle. alerts.fsu.edu or 644-INFO for more information.

Default
Message for:

  • E-mail
  • 644-INFO
  • 530AM
  • Vehicle PA

This is an official emergency notification, for distribution to all students currently taking classes, faculty, and staff.

*FSUALERT!* Lightning Warning! Lightning has been detected within an 8-mile safety radius of Florida State University. Persons congregating outdoors should seek shelter immediately in the nearest building or vehicle and remain there until the warning has expired. Obtain additional information and updates from http://alerts.fsu.edu or by calling 644-INFO.

[Custom Message from Incident Commander]

Outdoor Siren

[Attack Wail Tone for 30 seconds]

[Voice Recording, repeated twice]: "Attention! Attention! Lightning Warning. Seek shelter in a building or vehicle immediately. Lightning Warning."

[Repeat every 15 minutes for prolonged lightning warnings, until expired]

Voice Over Fire Alarm

[Not Applicable]

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Ammended November 2009
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