All 5X-registered Internet Protocol (IP) phones on the Kent Campus and participating Regional Campuses have been connected to the University Mass Notification System (MNS). If the system is activated, all university-registered IP phones will broadcast the message. This is an upgrade of the Mass Notification System as only certain phones previously had been connected to the system.
“The upgrade allows us to be even more comprehensive on who we reach when we send out an emergency message,” says Jeff Futo, a Kent State police officer and emergency and safety specialist.
The system includes four prerecorded messages: an active threat warning, a tornado warning, an all-clear message and a test message. The system also allows for live broadcasting if none of the prerecorded messages apply to the situation.
Speaker systems and IP phones can be activated across the entire campus or in specific buildings or zones.
Tests are conducted randomly at night by police officers. The messages usually are cleared before staff and faculty arrive in the morning.
Learn more about Kent State Police ServicesClick below for a sample of the audio recording used in the Mass Notification System.