UAA to participate in nationwide Emergency Alert System test Nov. 9, 2011

UAA's Emergency Manager Lt. Ron Swartz reports that on Wednesday, Nov. 9, Alaska will be participating in the first-ever nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System. At 10 a.m. you should hear a public announcement over broadcast radio and TV stations, cable TV and satellite services. This exercise is being coordinated by the FEMA Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS). You can provide feedback on the test at http://ready.alaska.gov/test.

The University will participate by testing its ability to use the on-campus telephone system speakerphone feature to broadcast a message. In an actual emergency, other methods such as mass emails and webpage updates would also be used. Comments about the UAA test should be directed to Emergency Manager Ron Swartz by email via aypolice@uaa.alaska.edu.