A Brown University spokesperson spoke out recently about the school’s emergency alert system. This comes after criticism regarding the response to a tragic shooting on campus.
According to the spokesperson, the decision was made not to use the campus alert siren, which is typically used for emergencies like natural disasters. They believed sounding the siren might confuse people and lead them into danger, as a shooter was reported to be nearby.
The university’s main emergency system, the BrownAlert, reached around 20,000 people just minutes after the university’s public safety team was informed about the shooting. This system sends out warnings through phone calls, texts, and emails. The alert included details on where not to go while officers responded to the situation.
Critics question the university’s quick response. The first alert was sent at 4:22 p.m., 17 minutes after shots were fired. Surveillance footage showed the person of interest leaving a campus building at about 4:06 p.m.
The Providence Police Department, the leading agency investigating the incident, sent an alert 43 minutes after the shooting, but it did not specify what had happened. It wasn’t until nearly an hour and a half later that police confirmed multiple people had been shot and instructed students to shelter in place.
Recent studies show that timely communication in emergencies is crucial. According to research from the National Emergency Management Agency, alerts need to be prompt and clear to ensure public safety. This incident at Brown University highlights the importance of effective communication during critical situations.
The community’s reaction has been mixed, with many expressing frustration over the delay. Social media platforms buzzed with discussions on emergency preparedness and the need for improved safety measures on campuses.
This event reminds us that when it comes to safety, every second counts. It emphasizes the need for universities to continually evaluate their emergency protocols and be prepared for the unexpected.
For more on emergency preparedness in educational institutions, you can read related reports from the Federal Emergency Management Agency here.
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