Emergency communications for the WSU Spokane campus are managed by the Emergency Management Communication Team, a coordinated effort between Campus Security and the Provost’s Office. In the event of an incident that requires mass communication, this team determines the timing, messaging, and overall procedures.
General Communication Procedures
The Emergency Management Communication Team determines the need for mass communication to the campus by evaluating the nature and scope of the incident, the overall risk or threat to campus safety, and the urgency of necessary action. Typically, emergency communication messages are brief and focused, emphasizing what individuals need to do to stay safe in the moment. Messages sent during or after the incident will rarely provide significant details regarding individuals involved, unless there is an ongoing threat to campus safety.
Departments, units, and colleges may not individually draft and distribute mass emergency directives or messages through internal channels, as this can cause confusion and panic, increase the risk to personnel and students, and, at worst, endanger lives.
Follow-up messaging in response to an incident must be reviewed and approved by the Emergency Management Communication Team prior to distribution.
Communication Channels
The campus uses several methods to alert campus personnel and students in the event of an emergency.
Spokane Campus Emergency Alert System (Everbridge)
The WSU Spokane Emergency Alert System delivers timely emergency messages via SMS, automated phone calls, and email. Employees and students are automatically enrolled in campus alerts; however, they can log in to their MyWSU account to update their notification settings. All members of the campus community will receive alerts to their WSU email. Users can update their phone number and add a parent or emergency contact.
During an incident, you may receive multiple messages providing updates and actions you should take. Depending on the overall threat to campus safety, some messages may only be sent as an email notification (low threat) or through all channels (high threat). When appropriate, an all-clear or follow-up message regarding the incident may also be delivered via the Alert system.
Campus PA System (Blue Poles)
The Spokane campus is equipped with a PA system that allows officers to notify those outside buildings to take shelter or leave campus in the event of an emergency. This system can be activated by any security personnel.
Media Updates
Local television and radio stations may broadcast emergency notices, particularly during inclement weather. In the event of an emergency requiring a media response, a designated communications employee will work with campus and system leadership to develop messaging.
Campus Announcements
The WSU Spokane campus announcements are used to deliver important information on emergency preparedness and key resources after an incident. Employees are encouraged to review the safety information and reminders posted in the announcements regularly.
