Emergency Siren Warning System

Johnson & Wales University has completed the installation of an outdoor Emergency Siren Warning System (ESWS) on the Harborside campus, which is also a siren site of the Port of Providence emergency siren warning system. The siren is strategically placed to provide life-threatening emergency messages to the campus community and nearby neighbors if such an event should affect the area.

If a life threatening emergency occurs and the ESWS is activated, Campus Safety & Security or authorized officials of the City of Providence will activate the system. The activation will consist of an alert tone followed by a voice message regarding the nature of the emergency. Additionally the university will utilize its emergency telephone notification system to provide further information via telephone.

Additional information, including an audio sample of the siren, can be found at Ready Providence.

The ESWS is tested periodically. The next scheduled test will be announced on this page when it becomes available.

Frequent Questions

What does the siren sound like? Listen to an audio clip for a simulation of the siren sound at Ready Providence.

When is the siren tested? The siren will be tested at least annually to ensure operational readiness. Test schedules will be announced in advance and posted at Ready Providence.

What should I do during a system test? You should continue your regular activities during a test. You do not need to take any special actions during a test.

What should I do if I hear the siren? Students, faculty, staff and visitors who hear the siren should:

• Listen to the voice message following the siren alert tone, which will provide instructions to either seek shelter indoors or evacuate the area depending on the emergency
• Carefully listen to or read all incoming emergency notification messages via phone or e-mail
• Check the JWU Providence Emergency Alerts and Ready Providence web pages for updates
• Limit non-emergency outgoing communications so as not to overburden the phone system

What type of emergencies does the siren indicate? Examples of emergencies where the ESWS would likely be activated include:

• Hostile intruder on campus (i.e., active shooter)
• Large chemical release near campus
• Natural disasters (i.e., tornado)

Where can I hear the siren? Although the sirens will be loudest within the limits of campus, close proximity neighbors will be able to hear the warning system.

If you are indoors when the siren is activated, it is not expected that you will hear the siren or the voice message that follows. If the siren system were to be used during an actual emergency, information would also be sent through the campus emergency telephone notification system.