June 12: Concordia Emergency Notification System test

On Wednesday, June 12 at 10:30 a.m., Concordia’s Campus Safety and Protection Services (CSPS), will conduct a routine test of Concordia’s Alert System for Emergencies (CASE). This year, the routine test will also include a reminder on armed intruder preparedness encouraging the community to consider their response in such a scenario.

While this test's main aim is to ensure that our emergency communication systems are functioning correctly by helping identify areas that may need improvement. This year’s test also aims to encourage emergency preparedness among the Concordia community.

What to expect during the test

During testing, no action will be required on your part.

The message you receive will vary depending on the system:

• The Rave Guardian app, Concordia email accounts, Concordia computer desktop and laptop monitors, and Concordia’s RSS feed on concordia.ca/emergency, will receive the following message:

As an exercise, consider what you would do in a real armed intruder event. Take this moment to assess your space and consider the following options:

RUN: Running should always be your first option. If you know a clear way out, take it.

HIDE: If you cannot run, look around your space and consider secure places you could hide.

FIGHT: As a last resort, fighting might be necessary. Consider what you have on hand that could help you defend yourself.

In line with this thinking, consider the ways you could be officially alerted of an emergency on campus at Concordia.

Although no action is required today, knowing what to do in an emergency can save your life. Be prepared and remember to Run/Hide/Fight.
 

• Building P.A. system, Concordia phones and cell phone numbers provided in Concordia’s My CU account will receive the following shorter message:

TEST TEST TEST – This is a TEST of Concordia’s emergency alert system. In an emergency, this message would include important instructions to help keep you and our community safe. NO ACTION IS REQUIRED. 

An opportunity to review emergency planning

While no direct action will be required on your part during the test, CSPS encourages you to use this as an opportunity to review your unit’s emergency preparedness plan and familiarize yourself with the procedures for responding to an emergency on our campus.

As an exercise, consider what you would do in a real armed intruder event. Take a moment to assess your space and consider the following options: 

• RUN: Running should always be your first option. If you know a clear way out, take it.
• HIDE: If you cannot run, look around your space and consider secure places you could hide. 
• FIGHT: As a last resort, fighting might be necessary. Consider what you have on hand that could help you defend yourself. 

In line with this thinking, consider how the university would communicate with you if an emergency occurs on campus.

Stay Informed — stay safe

Concordia is committed to keeping its community safe and updated on the latest information. Ensure your safety by:

1. Download the Rave Guardian app on your mobile device to get alerts for emergencies on campus.
2. Updating your student or staff personal information with your active phone number and email account are ways that you can contribute to ensuring your and everyone’s safety.
3. Knowing what to do in an emergency can save lives. Be prepared and remember: Run, Hide, Fight.

If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to Campus Safety and Prevention Services at emergency.management@concordia.ca.