Cornell's emergency notifications systems, including the sirens/public address (PA) system, will be tested Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 12:10 p.m.

The test is part of an ongoing effort to develop effective emergency communications on campus, said Peggy Matta, director of Cornell's Office of Emergency Planning and Recovery.

The siren/PA system test will begin with an alert tone followed by the broadcast of a 25-second message that it is a test. The message will be followed by a 60-second alert tone. A sample of the alert tone can be heard at http://www.epr.cornell.edu; under the heading "Campus-wide Emergency," click on the "Hear The Tone" link.

What to do when the sirens sound unexpectedly
• If there is an immediate threat to the safety of people on campus, Cornell's emergency mass notification systems will be activated.
• If the sirens are sounded, immediately follow the instructions given after the warning tone goes off.
• If you receive a text or voice message, immediately follow the instructions given in the message.
• When you are in a safe location, go to http://www.cornell.edu/about/status for additional information and instructions.

There is no need for action during the test, Matta said.

All students, faculty and staff who have registered to receive emergency information via text will receive a text message with the sender ID of 55629 or 83972. Those who have registered to receive emergency information via a voice call will receive a call from caller ID (607) 254-4636. The message will be that it is a test of the Cornell Emergency Notification system.

Students and employees are encouraged to register to receive emergency notifications. Students can go to https://selfservice.adminapps.cornell.edu/studentcenter/. Select the links for Emergency Contact Info and Emergency Mass Notification.

Employees should go to https://ee.ohr.cornell.edu. Click on the Personal Information tab and select the links for EMN (emergency mass notification) Phone Number and Emergency Contact(s).

Cornell officials will use the phone numbers and other information to contact members of the community only in the event of an emergency. The information is private and confidential and will not be published or released.

"In addition to assessing the performance of our emergency notification systems, these tests should serve as a reminder that everyone on campus has a role to play in preparing for and responding to emergencies," Matta said.