Fire Alarm
The fire alarm system signals a building evacuation. In tall buildings and buildings with a high occupancy, the alarm system also includes instructional voice announcements. Silencing of the alarm is not considered an all-clear signal!
C.O.W.S. (off campus)
The Bowling Green/Warren County Emergency Management maintains the Community Outdoor Warning System (C.O.W.S.) in Bowling Green and Warren County to alert citizens of threatening weather or other emergencies. In the event of a tornado warning or other emergency, these warning devices are activated, signaling people who are outside, to seek shelter and information indoors.Outdoor Warning System (on campus)
WKU maintains a series of outdoor warning speakers on the Main Campus and at the South Campus/Center for Research and Development. In the event of an emergency, the system will activate with a siren tone, followed by verbal instructions.
C.A.L.V.E.S.
The Community Activated Lifesaving Voice Emergency System (C.A.L.V.E.S.) is an indoor warning system that announces an approaching tornado, other threatening weather or emergency situation by an intermittent tone or voice communication. Each building should have its own C.A.L.V.E.S unit. It is activated by the Warren County Emergency Management Agency. It is linked to the weather radio station for continuous weather updates.
WKU Alert Message System
WKU has the capability to send emergency text messages to faculty, staff and student cell phones in the event of an emergency. You may elect to receive these messages by registering your cell phone under the Personal Information tab within TopNet. You may incur charges for text messages sent to your cell phone depending on your cell phone plan and provider, and you will be responsible for any such charges. If your cell phone carrier changes, you will need to update your information on TopNet even if you phone or phone number remains the same. In addition, the WKU Alert system will post information on the WKU homepage (www.wku.edu), on WKU’s Facebook page, Twitter feed and News feed.
Emergency Call Boxes
Western Kentucky University has installed Emergency Call Boxes throughout campus and on each floor of both parking structures. By pushing the red button on the call box you will be connected to the WKU Police Communications Center by phone. Your location is displayed on caller ID at the Communications Center. Pushing the button also activates a blue flashing light on top of the pole. This flashing light draws attention to the area and could prevent further criminal action.
9-1-1
Dialing 9-1-1 from a campus phones will automatically dial The WKU Police Department Communications Center.
9-1-1 calls from cell phones will be directed from the Bowling Green Police Dept. to the WKU Police. If you need to call 9-1-1, there is no problem with using your cell phone; just realize that your call will be transferred to the WKU Police Communications Center.
All-Clear
An All-Clear may be given by a member of the WKU Police, on the WKU homepage at https://www.wku.edu/, by the WKU Alert system, or over the C.O.W.S. system.