Overview of PAS

Any emergency warning system should be built on multi mode delivery to try and communicate with as

many affected persons as possible.

Pioneer Alert System (PAS)Western Oklahoma

State CollegeJanuary 2011

Revised April 2011

Overview of PAS

• It’s very complicated.• We are starting with text messaging• Hard wired panic buttons• Security cameras• Desktop Messaging

Available Emergency/Urgent Notification and Warning Systems

1. Public address system + VoIP?2. Flat screen monitors strategically located throughout campus (Campus Cable)3. Text messaging4. Bulk email5. Media release/Press release

Available Emergency/urgent Notification and Warning Systems (cont.)

6. NOAA Weather Radio (strategically located throughout campus)

7. Fire Alarm8. Western College Home Page website9. Staff interruption of classes10.Hard Wired Panic Button11. Software Alert Client

PAS Activation Approval1. President2. Vice President for Academic & Student Support Services3. Vice President for Business Affairs4. Vice President for Development & Alumni Relations5. Dean of Academic Affairs6. Dean of Technology7. Dean of Technical Education8. Dean of Student Support Services9. Director of Physical Plant10. Director of Public Relations

PAS Activation Scenarios 

1. Dangerous Situation

2. Tornado Warning

3.  Severe Thunderstorm/Lightning/ or Ice Storm Warning

4. Hazardous Condition

5. Other (TBD)

Status

Text Messaging service is in place and has been tested by Guy and Emily Smith with the Rodeo Team Fall 2010

Multiple Modes of Distribution

• Automatically signed up for email

• Must opt in to text service

• Potential expansion to social networks

• Auto webpage display

Policy & Process

Time Table

Training – Week of January 31• Activation Approval Group for emergency

situations• Faculty RAVE training for non emergency

situationsAwareness Campaign - Week of April 4

The Prediction

Getting students to sign up is the Challenge

• 87% of campus have text messaging• Virginia Tech enrollment= nearly 100%• Generally enrollment = 30 – 50 %

The RealityGetting Students to Sign Up

So Far•250 Students•85 WOSC Staff•25 Groups

Official Group Membership•School Closings 60•Weather Alerts 52•Student Activities 45•WINDS 32•Student Store 11

How to improve participation

• Press Packet/media campaign• Incentives (iPod)• Faculty non-emergency usage

Current Project

Hard Wired Panic Buttons 1) Wire has been run to the following locations: •  

Current Project

Hard Wired Panic Buttons (cont.)

2) Servers have been built and put into place3) Clients for distribution list must be installed.  These are the people who will receive the message.  There will be no warning details other than that this location has hit a panic button.

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Current Project

Desktop Warning Currently in Testing…It must be working as I have had multiple calls during testing asking if this is a test

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