Technological Challenges & Alert System

1. Technological Challenges & Alert System Presented by: Cindy Lawson

2. Organizational Issues • Tracking Media queries, requests for interviews, etc. • Managing Web traffic • Managing overloaded phone lines

3. Organizational Issues • Activating & updating a “blind site” • Monitoring media coverage • Monitoring offers of help and assistance • PIER

4. Methods for Communicating

5. Methods for Communicating • Siren (blast or verbal) • Emergency information hotline • Reverse 911 – broadcast voicemails • Short wave radio & dedicated frequencies

6. Methods for Communicating • Marquee • Blast E-mail • Emergency information Website (“blind”) • Satellite phones

7. Methods for Communicating • Emergency alert text messaging • Cable TV interruption message (audio and scrolling messages) • Pop-up alerts on campus computers

8. Methods for Communicating • Stadium broadcasting systems • LCD’s in classrooms and hallways • PA systems (“blue lights”)

9. Methods for Communicating • A dedicated cable channel for video feeds/updates to all dorm rooms • RSS feeds to internet subscribers • YouTube, MySpace and FaceBook

10. Methods for Communicating • Campus advisories posted in buildings • Community meetings • Media alerts

11. Methods for Communicating • Residence hall assistants • Chalking • Posters, newsletters, etc.

12. What if the Infrastructure is Disabled?

13. What if the Infrastructure is Disabled? • Do you know which phones will still work? • Do you have alternate communications? • Satellite phones • Bull horns • Battery-operated radios (transmitters & receivers) • Back-up server capabilities

14. What if the Infrastructure is Disabled? • Facilities personnel – room by room • Dispatch (campus buses) • What other systems could be deployed?

15. Which Media Outlets Have Back-up Generators?

16. Issues with “New Media” • Cell Phones, text messaging, Blackberries and Qs • iReport (CNN) – Phones with cameras • Blogs on media sites and elsewhere • YouTube, FaceBook, My Space