Duke’s communication approach is based on redundancy, using multiple methods to reach members of the university as well as parents, alumni, visitors and the news media.
Duke’s goal is to send alert messages within 30 minutes of officials being notified of an emergency situation. While other means may be used, the primary methods of alerting people include the following:
| Email: Depending on the nature and location of an emergency situation, Duke may send a “DukeALERT” message to all students, faculty and staff at their Duke e-mail accounts. Duke parents whose students have provided an email address to the University through ACES will not receive the initial emergency message but may receive a follow-up email from the Office of Student Affairs or other Duke offices, depending on the type of emergency. |
| Outdoor Warning System: An alert message may be broadcast in and around buildings on campus using a new siren/public address system. For more information, please see the Outdoor Warning System. |
| Text Messaging: An alert message may be sent to the mobile devices of Duke community members who register for a new text messaging system. Sign up for DukeALERT text messages or learn more about text messaging at Duke. |
| Web: Duke may choose to activate its emergency website, emergency.duke.edu, which serves as the primary source of information updates. It may also post alert messages on Duke.edu, Duke Today, Duke Pass and other websites, as appropriate. (In some situations, Duke may decide the emergency website is unnecessary but will still post updates on Duke Today.) Members of the Duke community are encouraged to subscribe to the emergency RSS feed that will automatically send them updates about emergencies. The RSS feeds will only activate in case of emergency. |
| Phone:Duke will post an alert message on 919-684-INFO (4636), Duke’s emergency and severe weather information line. It may also use phone trees to notify essential-service staff. |
| Direct Contact:Residence Life staff will post emergency notices and safety information throughout the residence halls (provided circumstances allow this.) If you are in an academic building or other location on campus, Duke Police or other officials will attempt to alert you directly about what to do. |
| Other: Additional methods of communication may include distributing fliers and posting alerts on Duke Cable TV. Regular updates will also be provided to the news media. |