The New Virginia Tech Alert System Facilitates On-Campus Alerts
Omar Yusuf — August 7, 2011 — Tech
References: alerts.vt.edu & gizmodo
Following the April 2007 massacre conducted by Seung Hui-Cho, which took the lives of 33 students, it was clear that the Virginia Tech Alert System needed revamping to ensure safety in the event of another horrible attack.
With more than 30,000 students roaming the hallways and lecture rooms of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute, safety must come first. With that thinking, the Virginia Tech Alert System hopes to inform the entire student body in the event of disaster. Should another deranged killer take to the streets, students will be notified via email, academic message boards, an emergency hotline or through a desktop pop-up. A system of klaxons and loudspeakers have also been installed throughout the campus, with an announcer on constant standby.
We've already witnessed the so-called militarization of high schools throughout the United States as a response to class violence, but this takes things to another level. It may not be long before most universities adopt these security measures, in the hopes of avoiding potential tragedies.
With more than 30,000 students roaming the hallways and lecture rooms of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute, safety must come first. With that thinking, the Virginia Tech Alert System hopes to inform the entire student body in the event of disaster. Should another deranged killer take to the streets, students will be notified via email, academic message boards, an emergency hotline or through a desktop pop-up. A system of klaxons and loudspeakers have also been installed throughout the campus, with an announcer on constant standby.
We've already witnessed the so-called militarization of high schools throughout the United States as a response to class violence, but this takes things to another level. It may not be long before most universities adopt these security measures, in the hopes of avoiding potential tragedies.
Trend Themes
1. Enhanced Campus Safety - The implementation of comprehensive alert systems and security measures in educational institutions to ensure student safety in the event of disasters or attacks.
2. Technological Communication Integration - The integration of email, academic message boards, emergency hotlines, and desktop pop-ups as communication channels for immediate and widespread alerts.
3. Preemptive Security Measures - The adoption of advanced security systems like klaxons, loudspeakers, and standby announcers to quickly and effectively inform students during emergency situations.
Industry Implications
1. Education - Educational institutions are investing in technologies and systems to improve campus safety and emergency response.
2. Technology - Developing and integrating innovative communication and security technologies for real-time alert systems.
3. Security - The security industry can provide comprehensive safety solutions to educational institutions that address emergency situations and potential threats.
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