CMU emergency system gets limited use, lots of tests

Many colleges began to develop alert systems to contact students in case of emergencies in light of the school shootings at Virginia Polytechnic University and Northern Illinois University,

Central Michigan University is no different. But despite frequent tests, its system has had very limited use for actual emergencies. In fact, it has only been used once.

In spring 2008, CMU developed Central Alert, which has irritated some students.

Stockbridge freshman Ron Cosper is one who said there is an excessive number of tests.

“I think the Central Alert system is good,” Cosper said. “But there are too many tests. I’ll be home during the weekend and get a message at 9 in the morning. It’s annoying getting alerts when I’m nowhere near Central.”

However, not all students think the frequent testing is bad. Troy sophomore Richard Yoon said the frequent tests are beneficial.

“The testing is good,” he said. “It helps prepare people for when there is an actual emergency.”

Regardless of frequent monthly testing, Director of Public Relations Steve Smith said there are rarely any issues.

“We really haven’t received a lot of complaints about the system,” Smith said.

If students feel the system is not beneficial, they can remove themselves from the alert list by going through the CMU Portal.

“Students can remove themselves from the list basically by using the same steps that they used to sign up,” Smith said.

Students can log on to the Portal, go to University Services and then to Emergency Information, under the Health and Safety category.

Even with the annoyance of the monthly tests, Smith recommends everyone to sign up.

“It’s a very effective way to communicate,” Smith said. “I would encourage that everyone take a look and sign up.”