LU to test new emergency siren at noon Wednesday

BEAUMONT - From Lamar University - Lamar University has installed a new emergency siren as a part of its overall emergency response system, officials said.

The new Federal Signal siren broadcasts at 130 decibels and is said to be audible for up to a mile away. The signal is mounted on a 43-foot tower near the Vernon Glass football practice field on the east side of campus.

The university will briefly activate the siren for the first time as a test at noon on Wednesday, Dec. 2. The tests were first planned for Fridays, but instead will be tested on Wednesdays to better coordinate with emergency notification tests at ExxonMobil nearby, officials said.

The test will verify that everything is working as intended, said Jack Butler, associate vice president for facilities maintenance.

The siren will be the first indication of a situation requiring immediate action, officials said. The campus police dispatcher activates the siren.

"If you hear the siren when it is not a test, you should make an immediate assessment of your surroundings because something is taking place on campus that is a threat to health and safety," said Barry Johnson, vice president for student affairs. "You can expect to receive messages describing the situation through the Connect-ED system."

The university's primary emergency communication will take place through the Connect-ED system, a rapid communication system that reaches phones, cell phones, and text-enabled devices of university employees and students. In addition, the university will communicate through email and local news media in a developing situation.

Johnson said circumstances that might lead to activating the siren include a shooting situation, a chemical release from rail or nearby plant that would require individuals to shelter in place, or a weather emergency such as a tornado.

"This is basically a very loud 'heads-up' call," Johnson said. "It means something very serious is happening and you had better pay attention."