Campuswide PurdueALERT test scheduled for Sept. 28

Purdue University will test its PurdueALERT emergency notification system at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 28. The test will include the activation of the outdoor all-hazards sirens.

The test will help the campus community know what the sirens sound like and what to do during a potential emergency. Jefferson Howells, director of Emergency Preparedness and Planning, says the university’s emergency plan should be easy for the campus community to understand and follow.

“It’s simple — if you are outside and hear a siren, go inside the nearest building,” Howells said. “If you are inside and hear a fire alarm, go outside.”

While the Sept. 28 test requires no action, Howells said it should serve as a reminder to review Building Emergency Plans and the Emergency Procedures Guide.

Howells said the U.S. Department of Education requires one such test each year. Purdue typically tests the PurdueALERT system during both the fall and spring semesters.

As part of the test, other notifications also will be sent through text messages, Twitter/X (@purdueemergency), digital signs on campus, desktop popup alerts, Alertus beacons in classrooms, email and Boiler TV. 

In the event of an actual emergency, the Campus Emergency Status webpage will also be updated. All incoming students and others who are new to campus are encouraged to sign up for emergency text message notifications.

The test is weather dependent, and, if needed, will be rescheduled for Friday, Sept. 29. 

Emergency Preparedness and Planning is part of the Administrative Operations organization. The organization supports the university by providing safe, reliable and transformative services. Making sure the campus community is aware of the emergency notification system and knows how to respond in the event of an actual emergency is just one of the ways the organization helps power Purdue.

More information is available on the Emergency Preparedness and Planning website.