PurdueALERT: Emergency Warning Notification System

Purdue is a large and complex institution, and people move about freely. Despite advances in communication, there is no way to reach everyone instantly with a single message. However, the multi-layered approaches that are in place will help spread the word quickly, based on the circumstances.

The following communication methods make up the University's Emergency Communication Plan:

• ALL-HAZARDS OUTDOOR EMERGENCY WARNING SIRENS: This means to immediately seek shelter (shelter in place) in a safe location within the closest facility/building. This course of action may need to be taken during a tornado, active threat such as a shooting, or a major release of hazardous materials in the outside air.

• BUILDING FIRE ALARMS (INDOORS): This means immediately evacuate the building and proceed to your emergency assembly area as defined in your Building Emergency Plan. 

  • Once you have followed the initial direction, use all communication means available to find out more details about the emergency. You should remain in place until police, fire, or other emergency response personnel provide additional guidance or tell you it is safe to leave.

• TEXT MESSAGING: Purdue University faculty, staff and students may sign up to receive an emergency notification text message.

• TWITTER: Use your Twitter app to push notifications from @purdueemergency to your smartphone. This is a good method for contractors, parents, visitors or community members to receive PurdueALERT emergency messages.

• DIGITAL SIGNS: Over 200 digital signs around campus will display the same PurdueALERT message that gets sent via text message to opted-in campus subscribers.

• DESKTOP POPUP ALERT: An alert will be sent to the majority of University computers and display information on computers in which a user is logged in. 

  • Demonstration Video of Desktop Popup Alert

• ALERT BEACONS: An alert will be sent to the beacons that are installed in large classrooms. Beacons will alarm audibly for 10 seconds, flash and text alerts will be available for 5 minutes.

  • Demonstration Video of Alert Beacons

  • Alertus Beacon Approval Process

• EMAIL: An email can be sent to all people with a purdue.edu address. When Building Deputies receive an emergency notification they will forward an email to others in the building or go to offices or rooms in person, if time permits and their safety is not in jeopardy. They also may post signs on doors or in hallways.

• WEST LAFAYETTE CAMPUS EMERGENCY STATUS WEBPAGE: The Campus Emergency Status webpage is the focal point of the most complete information for all campus-related emergencies.

• RESIDENCE HALLS: University Residences has its own procedures for alerting people in individual residence halls via resident assistants, phones and signage.

• THE BOILER TELEVISION EMERGENCY ALERTING SYSTEM: The Boiler Television Emergency Alerting System will broadcast emergency information.

• MEDIA: The University works with the news media including radio, TV and newspapers to help spread the word.