As part of Florida State University’s FSU ALERT emergency notification system, the university has three outdoor warning sirens on the main campus in Tallahassee. There is an additional interface with the Oglesby Union sound system for additional coverage in the union courtyard.
These public address speakers / sirens are designed to be heard outdoors only. They are not intended to be heard by persons within the buildings on campus. See below for alternative notification methods.
In the event of an emergency which urgently threatens the safety of persons outdoors, the University may sound the sirens. The alert tones are very loud and distinct and should be easily heard by anyone who is outdoors on the main Tallahassee campus.
The alert tone may / may not be followed by voice instructions. Regardless if you can comprehend the voice instructions, the default action anytime the siren is sounded is to: Take shelter in the nearest building and seek further information.
Examples of the warning alert sounds and voice instructions which may be played:
Law enforcement actions, such as the response to an active shooter, may or may not necessitate the sounding of the sirens. Emergency Management will follow the direction of the Florida State University Police Department in regards to emergency notification of any law enforcement activity.
The University may also use the speakers for other non-emergency uses. For example, starting this fall, Westminster Chimes will be played daily at 8AM, Noon, and 5PM.
The FSU Emergency Outdoor Warning System Guidelines serves as the University's policy document guiding the system's usage.
The siren system was designed and installed by American Signal Corporation.
See more photos of the sirens and a map of the signal coverage.
Watch the following FSU Headlines story:
Or Listen to the extended radio version of FSU Headlines.
See more FSU Sirens in the news: FSUView, WTSP Tampa Bay's 10 or WCTV 6 Tallahassee.
