Just this weekend, a chemical spill in the Biology building at the University of Maryland-Baltimore prompted officials to temporarily close 3rd floor of the building. How did they notify students? A simple text message using their emergency text alert message.
In later communications, students were informed that there was a possible chemical hazard in a 3rd floor lab, and as a precautionary measure, the floor was closed. A third text message indicated the building was accessible, but a particular room was still closed. The Maryland Department of the Environment was called in handle the situation.
It may have not been particularly widespread or life-threatening, but the situation was still potentially dangerous. Had students arrived at that building to complete labs or other group exercises, it would have been a inconvenience to find the building closed. With the help of an emergency text message system, the University had the right tools in place to quickly communicate, dispel rumors, answer questions, and notify students of the building's reopening. Having an emergency communications plan in place for even "minor" or isolated emergencies makes handling the situation much easier!
Source: http://www.retrieverweekly.com/blog/2009/04/13/chemical-spill-in-biology-building/
Monday, April 13, 2009
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