CHARLOTTE – Jan. 24, 2007 – UNC Charlotte has installed an outdoor warning siren system to alert students, faculty, staff and visitors of potentially harmful conditions such as tornadoes, high winds, bomb threats, hazardous material leaks and other major emergencies.

The new system, consisting of a siren and public address speakers, will be audible in all areas of the UNC Charlotte campus. It is mounted atop the Dalton Tower of the Atkins Library. Testing of the system is scheduled for 2 p.m., Feb. 6.

Officials said nearby residents in the University City area will also benefit from the warning system because it will be heard in some neighborhoods surrounding the campus.

There are many sources of information about emergency situations located around the campus, but they are mostly indoors, such as phones, televisions, radios, and computers. School officials wanted a system to warn people who are outside, for example those walking across campus or playing on athletic fields, to potential hazards.

The outdoor alarm will only be used in emergency situations that require getting everyone’s attention rapidly. The system will be tested once each semester and the tests will be announced beforehand.

If someone hears the alarm, they should immediately find out what is wrong, and take appropriate action, such as seeking shelter indoors or avoiding a particular location, and wait for the “all clear” announcement.

This system will greatly enhance the university’s ability to provide a timely warning to anyone who is outdoors on our campus, as well as in some nearby neighborhoods. The system is not designed to be heard indoors, but may be heard inside buildings nearest to the library.

About UNC Charlotte
A doctoral/research intensive university, UNC Charlotte celebrated its 60th anniversary in September 2006. It is the fourth-largest of the 17-constituent University of North Carolina system and the largest institution of higher education in the Charlotte region. The university comprises seven professional colleges and currently offers 18 doctoral programs, 59 master’s degree programs and 85 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees. Enrollment exceeds 21,500 students, including more than 4,400 graduate students.


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Media contact: John Bland, 704-687-4385, jdbland@uncc.edu