Purdue prepared for potential emergencies

Purdue University is well prepared for an emergency, says Carol Shelby, senior director of environmental health and public safety. "We have in place – and have practiced implementing – an integrated emergency response plan that will guide us as we respond to specific incidents," Shelby says.

Many Purdue building supervisors have already pulled together safety committees to address specific concerns – identifying individuals who may need special assistance and specific processes, such as research that needs constant monitoring or special attention.

"Anyone who has such concerns should make them known to supervisors, who should relay them to the appropriate building deputy," Shelby says.

Purdue also has a communication plan to share information with all faculty, staff, students and parents, says Jeanne Norberg, director of the Purdue News Service. That plan includes this Web site, where information will be posted and questions addressed.

A phone bank also may be implemented to act as a central location to call for information. If the phone bank is activated, the phone number will be made public through this Web site and the news media. Updated information also will be distributed by e-mail to subscribers to the Purdue News Digest and to building deputies.

"Keep in mind that if a 'red alert' were issued by the Department of Homeland Security, it only means that the risk of terrorist attack is severe," Shelby says. "It does not mean there is a specific threat to our area. If we face an immediate threat, the public would be informed by our emergency sirens. If those are sounded, people are urged to go into the nearest building and tune to your local broadcast stations."

WASK Radio (98.7 FM and 1450 AM) is the primary Emergency Alert System station for this area. It will relay information to other stations.

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