Carleton recently updated its emergency notification system (ENS) to improve safety on campus. The ENS, which cost $350,000, sends notifications via mass email, text messages and desktop alerts to all computers connected to the Carleton network.
Investment aside, Carleton has not been making good use of the system since its implementation last year.
In the past year, there has been a 5.0 magnitude earthquake, a potential bomb threat at Robertson Hall and numerous fire alarms — none of which have prompted the use of the ENS.
Although having a system in place provides students with a sense of security, not using it at all means the combined 25,000 students, faculty and staff are all being put at risk.
If this much money is being put into the ENS, the administration should be using it actively to inform students of safety risks on campus.
We should use the ENS more often and when appropriate, to help students familiarize themselves with proper safety procedures in the event of a serious incident.
Understandably, there is a risk as the system has the potential to incite panic among students. But uncertainty in an emergency is a greater risk, and it is better to use the ENS to inform the community rather than leave them in the dark.
In the case of the suspicious packages found at Robertson Hall, the consequences of not alerting students could have been deadly.
The ENS is a sound investment only if it’s used correctly.