Appalachian State University uses multiple methods to notify and communicate emergency information to the campus community. The AppState-ALERT siren warning system in Boone is designed to provide Boone campus students, staff, faculty and visitors with an audible notification of an emergency event that affects campus across multiple buildings and outdoor areas. Other than siren tests, which will usually occur on the first Wednesday of every month, the siren warning system in Boone will only be activated during a high risk, life-threatening emergency such as:
- An active shooter on or near the Boone campus
- A major hazardous material spill on or near the Boone campus
- Tornado warning for the Boone campus
During an actual emergency in Boone, the siren will sound in a Hi/Low tone for 20 seconds followed by a pre-recorded voice message that says, "Attention. An emergency condition exists. Seek safe shelter. Attention. An emergency condition exists. Seek safe shelter. Attention. An emergency condition exists. Seek safe shelter."
The all-clear activation will consist of a 20-second Alert tone followed by a pre-recorded voice message that says, "All clear. The emergency is over. All clear. The emergency is over. All clear. The emergency is over."
Siren tones that will be used on the App State Boone campus include:
- Hi/Low - Used during an emergency
- Alert - Issued as an "all clear"
- Air Horn Discontinuous - Used for siren tests