Chancellor Gary S. May | Official website
Chancellor Gary S. May | Official website
UC Davis will conduct a test of its WarnMe emergency communications system as part of the Great California ShakeOut on October 17. The exercise, set for 10:17 a.m., aligns with International ShakeOut Day when millions across California and globally will practice earthquake safety.
Participants in the drill will follow the "drop, cover and hold on" procedure, endorsed by federal, state, and local emergency management experts. The ShakeOut website offers guidance for the drill, including adaptations for individuals using canes, walkers, or wheelchairs.
“This is a good opportunity for all of us to practice this simple safety measure — especially since California is prone to earthquakes,” said Benton Best, campus emergency manager.
Best has requested that members of the Academic Senate and Academic Federation encourage student participation. He suggested that instructors notify students if class activities prevent involvement in the drill.
Typically tested three times annually at UC Davis, the WarnMe system's schedule was altered to promote earthquake awareness through participation in the ShakeOut. Alerts will be sent via text message and email to faculty, staff, and students who are automatically registered through their university email accounts. They will be prompted to practice dropping, covering, and holding on briefly. No follow-up messages are planned.
This test marks the first instance of automatic mobile phone number integration from student records into the notification system. Text alerts will also reach employees who have added mobile numbers to their contact information within WarnMe.
Messages will be disseminated via the Everbridge Mobile App and posted on UC Davis' official social media accounts.
Benton Best encourages community members to use MyShake, an app developed at UC Berkeley that uses smartphone motion sensors to identify earthquakes and sends early warnings in California, Oregon, and Washington.
The Earthquake Country Alliance suggests seven steps for earthquake preparedness before, during, and after such events. A specific guide is available for college students.
WarnMe provides critical information about life-threatening emergencies while Aggie Alert notifies about disruptions affecting campus operations. Employees and students are urged to update personal contact details on WarnMe’s platform.
Non-affiliates can receive notifications by texting UCDAlerts to 888777. The Everbridge Mobile App is available free of charge from major app stores but does not support international numbers for text alerts.