WWU will test emergency alerts during lockdown drill Thursday

Western Washington University will conduct a test lockdown drill at the same time the school tests its alert notification system at 9:40 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 15.

Western’s test of its alert notification system will include voice messages, text messages, email sent to anyone who has registered for them. The alert message will also be posted on its website and the university’s Facebook page and Twitter feed.

A test voice message will be repeated in some buildings and outside speakers. Amber fire alarm strobes will flash in some buildings, according to the school.

At the same time, the school will conduct a test lockdown drill. A small group of faculty, staff and students will participate in the drill, which will involve multiple buildings on campus. The feedback will help the school plan a full campus lockdown drill in spring of 2016, said WWU spokesman Paul Cocke.

This story was originally published October 14, 2015 at 5:19 PM with the headline "WWU will test emergency alerts during lockdown drill Thursday."