Test of CornellALERT – Emergency Mass Notification  24 October 2018

On Wednesday 24 October at 12:10 pm, Cornell University will conduct a semi-annual test of its Emergency Mass Notification systems. The test will send notifications through voice and text messaging, email, CUView digital screens, RAVE Guardian app, Cornell’s Facebook account and Twitter feed, and outdoor sirens and public address system. 

Mass notification systems provide timely awareness of imminent threats to your safety as well as changes in university operations.  Thus, it is very important to opt in to receive CornellALERT on your mobile device.  Go to How To Receive CornellALERT Messages to enroll or verify your mobile number.  While you’re in Workday or Student Essentials update Emergency Contacts.  Lastly, take a moment to review the Emergency Action Guide on this page, as well as other preparedness information on this site. 

October is National Fire Prevention Month and National Cyber Security Month

October highlights two emergency preparedness topics, fire safety and computer/internet safety. We touched on both topics in our September Preparedness Month series but here’s some additional information.

Fire Prevention Month

Fire hazards exist all year round but the colder fall and winter weather increases the fire risk from heating equipment and systems. Have your heating systems checked and your chimneys cleaned and inspected by qualified professionals.

It’s also the time to check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.  Did you know:

  • Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm batteries should be replaced at least twice a year. Change the batteries when you set the clocks forward or back.
  • Smoke alarms don’t last forever. Alarms 10 years or older should be replaced. Check the back of the alarm for date of manufacture.
  • There are different types of smoke alarms and every home should have both.
    • Ionization smoke alarms better detect flaming fires.
    • Photoelectric smoke alarms better detect smoldering fires.
    • You can’t predict what type of fire you may have in your home so it is recommended to install both types of detectors in your home.

When purchasing new alarms consider using interconnected alarms. When one interconnected alarm detects smoke the alarm sounds on all the devices. With this technology you have a better chance of hearing the alarm even if the fire is in a far away section of the house or your room door is closed.

Visit these web sites for info about a recall of Kidde Dual Sensor Smoke Alarms or other Kidde fire safety product alerts.

Cyber Security Month

Visit the Cornell Information Technologies National Cyber Security Awareness Month web page for full details. Here are their weekly topics for this month:

Welcome to campus all new and returning students!

This website provides the Cornell community with important information before, during, and after campus emergencies.  We encourage you to bookmark this site and explore it to better prepare before an emergency occurs.

cornell alertEmergency Messages

CornellALERT is the university’s emergency notification system and is used for situations involving an immediate threat to the health and safety of the community.  Active CornellALERT messages appear in the right sidebar of this website (at the top of the page on mobile and small screen devices).

You can receive alerts on your cellular phone if you have provided your contact information or installed the Rave Guardian app and activated it for the Cornell Ithaca Campus. Messages are also sent to the @cornell.edu e-mail addresses of current students, employees, and affiliates.

If you receive a CornellALERT message you should promptly follow the directions given in the message and monitor this emergency web site for additional information.

What to do in an Emergency

CALL 911 for any situation that requires IMMEDIATE police, fire, or medical response to preserve life or property. From cellular phones call Cornell Police at 607-255-1111 or use a Blue Light or indoor emergency phone.

The Emergency Action Guide provides information about what you should do in the case of various emergencies. The Emergency Action Guide appears in the left sidebar of this website and moves to the bottom of the page on mobile and small screen devices. Take a few minutes to read through the guides so you know what actions to take during an emergency.

Preparing for Emergencies

It is everyone’s responsibility to be ready for emergencies before they occur. Use the following pages to help you prepare.

Got 2 minutes? Watch this video to learn how to do Hands Only CPR!