Indoor emergency alarm tests planned March 10-12

March 6, 2014

Wake Forest University will soon test an upgraded fire alarm system that will bring seven new voice messages to emergency speakers in halls and lobbies in many of its academic, administrative and residential buildings.

Anyone in those buildings March 10-12 (during Spring Break) likely will hear test messages announcing an active shooter, an armed intruder, a tornado or other threatening weather. Testing will also include shelter in place, building evacuation and all clear messages.

Wake Forest is bringing the new voice messages to 28 buildings, with long-term plans to bring them to additional facilities. Already, the University has fire alarm systems campus-wide; some feature a voice message announcing a fire emergency.

The additional messages are made possible by upgrades to existing fire alarm systems.

No action is required by anyone who hears the messages. If an actual emergency were to occur on those days, the test messages would not be used.

On March 10, tests are planned for: Alumni Hall, Byrum Welcome Center, Carswell Hall, Farrell Hall, Greene Hall, Miller Center, North Campus Dining Hall, Reynolda Hall, Salem Hall, Scales Fine Arts Center, Tribble Hall, Wait Chapel/Wingate Hall, WFDD building and Winston Hall.  Testing will begin at 8:30 a.m. and continue through the day.

On March 11, tests will occur in: Babcock Residence Hall, Bostwick Residence Hall, Dogwood Residence Hall, Johnson Residence Hall, Magnolia Residence Hall, Martin Residence hall, North Campus Apartments, Palmer Residence Hall, Piccolo Residence Hall, Polo Residence Hall, South Residence Hall and Student Apartments. Testing will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will continue through the day.

On March 10 and 11, each building will be tested individually, with the collection of pre-recorded messages repeated numerous times for about 30 minutes.  In buildings equipped with a microphone, a University staff member will announce when a test is about to begin. That will not be possible in all buildings.

On the morning of March 12, a brief test will be conducted in all 28 buildings, simultaneously. Two or three messages will be broadcast. Afterward, a fire alarm will be activated simultaneously in the buildings, followed by one of the new emergency messages. Testing will begin at approximately 9:30 a.m.

Anyone with questions about the testing may call Scott Frazier of Facilities and Campus Services at 336-758-4329 or 336-782-6107. During testing, call Facilities and Campus Services at 336-758-4255.