MSU implements Maroon Alert emergency system
Lawrence Simmons
Issue date: 9/11/07 Section: News
- < prev Page 2 of 2
White said an emergency plan has always been in place but it was limited. The major problem with the previous plan was that it focused merely on responding to the crisis rather than anticipating its arrival.
"We have always had an emergency so that anyone listening on air and online will know what is going on," said Anthony Craven, director of news and public affairs for WMSV.
White said an emergency plan has always been in place but it was limited. The major problem with the previous plan was that it focused merely on responding to the crisis rather than anticipating its arrival.
"We have always had an emergency plan, but Foglesong has taught us to be proactive rather than reactive because a lack of preparation will do more damage than the initial disaster," White said.
The team conducted a drill recently on campus and also employed the use of the Maroon Alert system. These emergency drills are conducted once or more a month. Goolsby and White write up the drills themselves and each one begins with an objective and scenario to test those objectives.
After the drill is complete, the team comes together and looks at how well the original objectives are met.
Goolsby said there have been five tests of the alert system so far.
The types of drills being performed range anywhere from potential ice storms to bomb threats. In case of a biological threat, a hazardous material expert and biological safety officer are available.
"This plan will work for any emergency that we may have in any situation," White said. CAT also desires to purchase and place nine speaker systems on campus that will be able to penetrate the buildings working alongside with Maroon Alert. Although these measures have been put into place, it does not mean that MSU is entirely safe.
"We hope not to have to use any of the things we are planning, however, we have something ready if we do," Goolsby said.
"We have always had an emergency so that anyone listening on air and online will know what is going on," said Anthony Craven, director of news and public affairs for WMSV.
White said an emergency plan has always been in place but it was limited. The major problem with the previous plan was that it focused merely on responding to the crisis rather than anticipating its arrival.
"We have always had an emergency plan, but Foglesong has taught us to be proactive rather than reactive because a lack of preparation will do more damage than the initial disaster," White said.
The team conducted a drill recently on campus and also employed the use of the Maroon Alert system. These emergency drills are conducted once or more a month. Goolsby and White write up the drills themselves and each one begins with an objective and scenario to test those objectives.
After the drill is complete, the team comes together and looks at how well the original objectives are met.
Goolsby said there have been five tests of the alert system so far.
The types of drills being performed range anywhere from potential ice storms to bomb threats. In case of a biological threat, a hazardous material expert and biological safety officer are available.
"This plan will work for any emergency that we may have in any situation," White said. CAT also desires to purchase and place nine speaker systems on campus that will be able to penetrate the buildings working alongside with Maroon Alert. Although these measures have been put into place, it does not mean that MSU is entirely safe.
"We hope not to have to use any of the things we are planning, however, we have something ready if we do," Goolsby said.
Be the first to comment on this story